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Cataracts are a common disorder that affects vision. A cataract itself is a clouding on the eye’s lens that makes vision blurry. Cataracts are pretty common and begin to show up in middle age. According to the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute at the University of California, Irvine, cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss for Americans over age 55. How Cataracts Form Most cataracts form over time on the lens, in one of two ways: • Clumps of protein build up on the lens and distort the images it receives through the retina. As the clumps get larger, vision becomes more blurry or dull. • The lens changes from clear to a yellow or brown color, making vision look tinted. This can result in making it difficult to distinguish dark colors, particularly dark blues from black and deep purple. Cataracts can also form after an injury to the eye. Eye surgery for other eye problems can cause them, as well as excessive exposure to x-rays and infrared or ultraviolent radiation. Cataract Symptoms Cataract symptoms grow over time becoming more pronounced. Most people with cataracts experience at least one of these vision problems: • Hazy or blurred vision • Difficulty reading • Seeing halos around bright lights • Colors look less intense • Sensitivity to glare from lights, particularly when driving at night • Poor night vision • Poor depth perception • Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription Preventing Cataracts There are no proven ways to prevent cataracts from forming or slowing their development, but ophthalmologists recommend taking these steps lessen their severity: • Get regular eye exams, at least every other year and every year after age 50. • Wear sunglasses to reduce ultraviolet B rays. • If you smoke, quit. • Reduce alcohol use. • Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to get antioxidants that maintain eye health. • Manage other health problems, particularly weight-related issues. Cataract Treatment Cataracts cannot be cured, but treated. In the early stages, eyeglasses and contact lenses can correct visual impairments to a degree. Other steps people can take is adding antiglare coatings on glasses for night driving, and increasing the amount of light needed for work and reading. However, when vision loss interferes with daily living, surgery—the only treatment for cataracts—becomes a medical necessity. Cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, so there is no hospital stay required. During surgery, the lens itself is removed and replaced by a clear plastic lens, called an intraocular lens. Removal of the lens may involve the use of a laser or traditional removal with a surgical instrument. A variety of optional lens types are available such as multi-focal lenses that adjust better for distance and closeness Is cataract surgery successful? Well, it won’t give you the super-strong eyesight of The Six Million Dollar Man, but according to the American Optometric Association, 90% of patients report having better vision after cataract surgery. Many patients report seeing blue tints everywhere after they have cataract surgery. This is because the yellow tint they saw through their cataracts is now gone, so colors look brighter.
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cataracts, cataract surgery, eye surgery, vision problems, blurry vision, glaring vision,
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