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You may notice
problems with
your vision at
any time during
the development
of a cataract.
Generally, as a
cataract
develops there
is a dimming or
blurring of
vision. This is
sometimes first
noticed as a
result of
difficulty
driving,
particularly at
night, or in
reading small
print or sewing.
A glare or halo
may surround
familiar objects
exposed to
bright light.
There is usually
a gradual loss
of color vision
so that objects
may appear
yellowed.
Sometimes
patients may
experience
double vision.
Many people feel
like a film is
covering the
eye. However, a
cataract is not
a growth or film
on the eye, but
a clouding
within the lens
inside the eye,
so surgery is
required to
remove the
cataract. Once
cataracts are
removed, you are
again able to
enjoy many of
life's simple
pleasures, such
as freedom of
travel, reading,
or the joy of
seeing a
grandchild
smile.
What Are
Cataracts?
A cataract is a
painless, cloudy
area in the lens
of the eye that
blocks the
passage of light
to the
retina,
which causes
vision
impairment.
Cataracts
sometimes may
remain small and
may not be
noticeable. They
may not
seriously affect
vision, and some
cataracts do not
need to be
removed.
However, many
cataracts grow
larger or more
dense over time,
often causing
severe vision
changes.
What Are the
Symptoms of
Cataracts?
Not all
cataracts impair
vision or affect
daily living.
But when they
do, common
symptoms
include:
-
Cloudy,
fuzzy, foggy
or filmy
vision.
-
Glare from
lamps or the
sun, which
may be
severe.
-
Difficulty
driving at
night due to
glare from
headlights.
-
Frequent
changes in
eyeglass
prescription.
-
Double
vision.
-
Second sight
– temporary
improvement
in near
vision (such
as that
needed for
reading) in
farsighted
people.
-
Difficulty
performing
daily
activities
because of
vision
problems.
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Normal
Vision |
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Early
Cataract |
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Advanced
Cataract |
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Who Do
Cataracts
Affect?
Aging and
exposure to
ultraviolet
radiation can
cause cataracts.
People may also
experience
cataracts after
an eye injury,
as a result of
eye disease,
after the use of
certain
medications, or
as a result of
medical
conditions such
as diabetes.
Genetics may be
another risk
factor for
developing
cataracts.
People with a
family history
are more likely
to develop them.
The color of
your eye may
also contribute
to the
development of
cataracts.
People with
darker-colored
irises appear to
have an
increased risk
of developing
them.
How to Avoid
Cataracts?
-
Have your
vision
checked
regularly
for early
detection.
-
Wear
sunglasses
with 100% UV
Protection.
-
Don't smoke.
-
Wear
protective
eye gear,
when active,
to avoid eye
trauma.
How Are
Cataracts
Treated?
Cataracts are
usually
treated
with surgery if
vision problems
are interfering
with the
person's quality
of life.
Cataract surgery
is very common
and currently
has the highest
success rate of
any surgical
procedure. It
involves
removing the
natural lens of
the eye, which
contains the
cataract. The
lens is then
usually replaced
with an
artificial lens
called an
intraocular lens
(IOL) implant.
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