Cataracts develop slowly and can affect one or both eyes. Without treatment, they may result in blindness. However, the progression of cataracts can vary, and understanding the condition is crucial for managing its impact effectively.
Causes of cataracts
The lens of the eye is primarily made of water and protein. As we age, the protein may clump together and start to cloud a small area of the lens. Over time, the cataract may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, making it harder to see.
Researchers believe that other factors such as diabetes, smoking, and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet sunlight can also accelerate cataract formation.
Symptoms of cataracts
Cataracts can manifest a variety of symptoms that vary in severity and impact on vision. Each symptom affects daily activities differently and understanding them in detail can help in recognizing the need for a consultation with an eye care professional. Below are some of the ways on how to recognise cataracts.
Blurry vision
One of the most common indicators of cataracts is a general blurriness in one’s sight. This is not a sudden onset; rather, it gradually worsens as the cataract develops. Individuals might notice that their vision is increasingly cloudy, as if they are looking through a fogged-up window. This can make it difficult to read, drive, or see fine details.
Trouble seeing at night
As cataracts progress, they can dramatically reduce one’s night vision. This is particularly due to the cataract scattering and diffusing the light that enters the eye. As a result, individuals might find it challenging to navigate in low-light conditions, which increases the risk of accidents or falls.
Seeing colors as faded
Cataracts can filter the light that reaches the retina, leading to dulled or yellowed vision. This means that colors may appear less vibrant and more washed out. Over time, this can diminish one’s ability to differentiate between certain shades and colors, affecting activities that require color discrimination like choosing clothing or reading traffic lights.
Increased sensitivity to glare
Individuals with cataracts often experience heightened sensitivity to bright lights, which can produce a glare or a halo effect around light sources.
This can be particularly problematic when facing oncoming traffic at night or while navigating brightly lit environments. The increased glare can lead to discomfort and impair the ability to see clearly, complicating tasks like driving or walking in sunny conditions.
Halos around lights
Halos around lights are concentric circles or blurs that appear around light sources, such as street lights or headlights. This symptom is closely related to increased sensitivity to glare. The diffraction of light caused by the cataract results in these visual disturbances, which can be particularly disorienting during nighttime or while looking at illuminated objects.
Double vision in the affected eye
This symptom involves seeing two images of a single object. In the context of cataracts, double vision occurs when the cataract scatters light as it passes through the lens, creating multiple focal points before it reaches the retina.
This can occur even when only one eye is open, distinguishing it from other causes of double vision that typically involve issues with eye alignment or coordination.
The cataract symptoms, when experienced persistently, should prompt an evaluation by an eye care professional. Early detection and management can help maintain quality of life and vision health, reducing the risk of cataract-related vision impairment.
Types of cataracts
Cataracts can develop in various parts of the lens and have different causes. Understanding the specific types can help in diagnosing the condition more accurately and tailoring treatment to individual needs.
Nuclear cataracts
These cataracts form in the nucleus, the central zone of the lens. This type is most commonly associated with aging. Initially, as the cataract develops, it can cause a temporary improvement in near vision, often referred to as second sight.
However, this effect is short-lived as the lens gradually turns more yellow or even brown, significantly impairing the ability to see. This discoloration can make it difficult to distinguish between shades of color, and vision becomes progressively blurrier.
Cortical cataracts
This type of cataract begins at the outer rim of the lens and slowly progresses towards the center in a spoke-like fashion. It is characterized by white, wedge-shaped streaks or opacities that extend from the periphery of the lens to the center.
These streaks interfere with the passage of light through the lens, causing problems with glare and contrast, as well as issues with depth perception. People with cortical cataracts often find difficulty in dealing with glare during the day and driving at night.
Posterior subcapsular cataracts
These form at the back of the lens, right in the path of light to the retina. They tend to develop more quickly than other types of cataracts and can have a significant impact on vision.
Posterior subcapsular cataracts can cause a marked reduction in vision in bright light and create a halo effect around lights, which is particularly disruptive at night. They are commonly seen in individuals with diabetes, those taking high doses of steroid medications, or those who have undergone radiation treatments.
Congenital cataracts
Unlike other types, congenital cataracts are present at birth or form during a baby’s first year and may be genetic or associated with intrauterine infection or trauma.
These cataracts can be partial or complete opacity of the lens and may require surgical removal to prevent amblyopia (lazy eye) if they obstruct the visual axis. The management depends on the size and location of the cataract in relation to the eye’s visual axis.
Secondary cataracts
These develop as a complication of other medical conditions, such as diabetes or exposure to toxic substances, or as a consequence of eye surgery.
Secondary cataracts are also linked to prolonged use of steroid medications. They can develop in various forms depending on the underlying cause but commonly lead to clouding and loss of vision.
Traumatic cataracts
These occur after an eye injury. Sometimes the cataract will appear immediately following the injury, or it may develop several years later. Traumatic cataracts can vary widely in severity depending on the nature of the injury.
They may require different management strategies, often involving surgery that addresses other associated eye damage.
Understanding these types of cataracts aids in recognizing the signs of cataracts early, which is crucial for timely intervention and effective treatment.
Each type affects vision in unique ways and may influence the choice of treatment, including the decision to proceed with cataract surgery
Diagnosis and testing procedures for cataracts
Diagnosing cataracts typically involves a comprehensive eye examination conducted by an ophthalmologist or optometrist to look for signs of cataracts. This examination includes several tests to assess the health of the eyes and the extent of vision impairment.
A key component is the slit lamp exam, which uses an intense line of light to illuminate the structures of the eye, providing a magnified, three-dimensional view that helps detect abnormalities.
The visual acuity test is another crucial test where the patient reads from an eye chart to determine how well they can see at various distances. This test measures the clarity of vision and helps quantify the impact of the cataract.
Additionally, the healthcare provider might ask about the patient’s medical history and any difficulties they experience in daily activities due to vision problems, which can help determine the severity of the cataract and guide treatment options. Providers recommend surgery when cataract symptoms interfere with your daily life.
Life after cataract surgery
Post-surgery, most people can return to normal, everyday activities with improved vision. It’s important to follow your eye doctor’s instructions for post-surgery care, which may include using eye drops and temporary sunglasses for protection against bright light.
The importance of regular eye exams
Regular eye exams are vital for maintaining eye health and for the early detection of cataracts and other eye-related issues. These exams allow eye care professionals to monitor the health of your eyes and to initiate appropriate treatments as early as possible.
Concluding thoughts
Understanding cataracts is essential for early intervention and effective management of this eye condition. With advancements in medical technology, cataract surgery has become a safe and common procedure that offers high success rates and restored vision for millions. By maintaining healthy lifestyle choices and regular eye check-ups, you can help maintain your vision, health and quality of life.
