Cataracts
Cataract is a condition where our eye’s naturally clear crystalline lens become cloudy and discolored. Cataracts typically develop slowly and may impact one or both eyes. Some common symptoms include blurry or double vision, colors appear less vibrant, increased light sensitivity, and/or decreased vision at night.
Your local eye doctor can treat cataracts. Treatments will vary depending on the severity of the cataract and can range from better lighting and eyeglasses to cataract surgery to correct the problem. Cataracts will not resolve on their own and will continue to progress. If left untreated, it can potentially lead to other ocular problems.
What is a Cataract?
Most people recognize a cataract by the distinct cloudy and yellowed lens of the eye. It is the most common cause of vision loss in people over 40. However, many people do not know there are different types of cataracts.
Types of Cataracts
There are three main types of cataracts:
- Nuclear - Also called nuclear sclerotic, this is the most common kind of cataract. This type of cataract is usually due to age and advances gradually. The cataract will form in the middle (nucleus) of the lens. For a brief period as it gets worse, it is possible your near vision may increase (known as second sight), but that does not last.
- Cortical - This type of cataract is formed on the outside edges of the lens called the cortex. They are described as resembling spokes or triangles that point toward the center of the eye.
- Posterior Subcapsular - These cataracts form in the back of the lens and often affect one eye more than the other. This type usually progresses faster than other types and symptoms may be seen within months. They often affect your close-up vision and can make it harder to see in bright light due to increased glare.
Each of these types of cataracts will involve having a cloudy lens. Some can be present at the time of birth, whereas others can show up after eye trauma or develop with age. As the cataract progresses, it will impact your vision more and more.
Causes
Cataracts develop when the normal proteins in the lens of your eye start to break down and accumulate in the lens capsule. The protein build-up is what causes the lens to get cloudy or yellowed. Over time this can continue to get worse and grow larger. If left untreated, cataracts can eventually lead to complete blindness.
Aging is the most common cause of cataracts, however, there are many risk factor, such as:
- Diabetes
- Eye surgery
- Eye injuries
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
- Family history
- Birth defects
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol use
- Prolonged use of certain medications, such as steroids
Symptoms
At first, the cloudiness caused by a cataract may be only affecting a small part of your eye and you may not notice any change in vision. However, as it worsens, the cataract will cover more of your lens and the symptoms will become more drastic. Symptoms of cataracts can include:
- Blurry vision
- Double vision
- Colors appearing faded
- Increased light sensitivity
- Trouble seeing at night
- Requiring more light for reading and other activities
- Seeing halos around lights
- Impaired depth perception
- Problems with glare during daytime
Many vision changes happen gradually, which is why it’s important to get an eye exam at least once a year from a local optometrist. If you are having frequent changes in your eyewear prescription, this may be a sign of a developing cataract. See your doctor right away if you have sudden changes in your vision.
Diagnosis
Visit your local eye doctor if you suspect you may have a cataract. Your doctor will be able to do a series of tests to diagnose a cataract and suggest treatment strategies. Several different tests can be done to accurately diagnose a cataract. Some of those tests include:
- Visual Acuity Test - Also known as an eye chart, this is a common test that most people have done before. In this test, the doctor will have you stand a set distance away (typically 20 feet) and have you read letters from a chart. 20/20 vision means that you can see clearly what a normal eye can see from 20 feet. If your vision were 20/40, that would mean from 20 feet away you are only able to see what a normal eye would be able to see from 40 feet away.
- Slit-lamp Exam - This test involves using a special microscope known as a slit-lamp. The microscope uses a bright line of light to aid your doctor in seeing the details and structure of your eye. The doctor might also dilate your pupil for this process to make it more effective. To learn more about a slit-lamp exam, click here.
- Retinal Exam - Your doctor will put drops in your eyes to dilate the pupils. This helps the doctor get a better view of your retinas at the back of your eyes and a clearer look at the cataract.
- Contrast Sensitivity Test - An assessment of your ability to see decreasing levels of contrast. Cataracts often cause increased glare which impacts your ability to distinguish contrast. This test is valuable in determining your overall vision health.
Treatment Options
Contact lenses are diverse vision correction options that can fit just about any lifestyle. While optometrists will recommend eyeglasses first for children that are under the age of 10 because they are the easiest option for that age, contact lenses are safe for even children to wear.
- When symptoms start to appear for cataracts, you may be successful in improving your vision by using new glasses or contact lenses. A stronger lens can often help your vision for a while.
- If glare from lights is a problem with your cataract, you can get special glasses with an anti-glare coating that can be helpful for things like driving at night.
- When cataract surgery is needed, it is typically very successful. Most cataract surgeries are an out-patient procedure, meaning you will go home the same day. Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the United States.
Your eye doctor will be able to customize a cataracts treatment plan that is unique to your situation. Surgery may not be necessary, but it is the only final solution. Other treatments will simply be symptom management.
Prevention
It is controversial whether or not cataracts can be prevented, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Have regular eye exams (at least once a year)
- Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV radiation while you are outside
- Keep your diabetes in check
- Avoid or quit smoking
- Reduce alcohol use
- Some studies suggest that eating foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids or antioxidants like vitamins C and E might help prevent cataracts
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cataract?
What causes cataracts?
What are the types of cataracts?
How is a cataract removed?
Is cataract surgery a permanent fix?
When should a cataract be removed?
