The 11th of October is World Sight Day. It’s an annual day of awareness with a mission to draw global attention to vision impairment.
One of the most common visual impairments globally is cataracts. In fact, cataracts cause visual impairments that affect daily life for over 240 million people worldwide (MarketScope 2016 IOL Report). Fortunately, cataract surgery is one of the most common, safe and effective surgeries.
But even though the surgery is common, there are still many misconceptions around cataracts and cataract surgery. Here are the answers to five frequently asked questions about cataracts:
- What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye (the part that helps focus light), which can impact vision. When the lens is not clear, images may appear blurry and colors may appear dull. While there are many non-age-related causes of cataracts, they are very common in people over age 60. - What are the symptoms of cataracts?
One important thing to know about cataracts is that symptoms often don’t appear until they are severe enough to distort light as it enters the eye. This is why having regular eye exams is so important. Doctors can usually detect a cataract long before symptoms appear. Some cataract symptoms include:
– cloudy, blurry or dim vision
– increasing difficulty with night vision
– sensitivity to light and glare
– seeing rings or halos around lights
– frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens perscriptions
– fading or yellowing of colors
– double vision in a single eye
(These symptoms also can be a sign of other eye problems. If you have any of these symptoms, check with your eye doctor.) - What causes cataracts?
The lens of the eye works in a similar way to a camera. It focuses light onto the back of the eye (retina) where the image is recorded. It also adjusts the eye’s focus, allowing clear vision both close up and far away. The lens is made up of mostly water and protein and the protein is arranged in such a way that keeps the lens clear and allows light to pass through it. But eventually, some of the protein may clump together and start to cloud a small area of the lens. This is known as a cataract. Over time, cataracts may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, making it more difficult to see. - Are there cataract risk factors?
While the risks of cataracts do increase with age, there are other contributing factors as well. Certain diseases like diabetes and hypertension can increase the likelihood of getting cataracts, as do behaviors like smoking and alcohol use. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet sunlight is also a known risk factor, which is why it is important to wear sunglasses outdoors. - What can be done about cataracts?
When symptoms begin to appear, some people may be able to improve vision for a while by using new glasses or contact lenses, better lighting or other visual aids. However, when cataracts progress to the point that they seriously impair vision and affect daily life, eye doctors may recommend cataract surgery. Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens or IOL. According to www.allaboutvision.com, “nine out of ten people who have cataract surgery regain very good vision.”
Recent technology innovations in IOLs have reduced recovery time and have even helped patients minimize the need for glasses at most distances. A qualified eye doctor can both diagnose cataracts and make IOL recommendations. Be sure to schedule an eye exam every year!
References:
https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/cataracts.htm
https://nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cataract_facts
