Cataract
The lens of the eye is normally transparent Cataract causes it to become cloudy, which is manifested by vision problems The patient sees the same as through a frosted window or in foggy weather
Blurred vision makes it difficult to read, drive (especially at night), or perceive facial expressions.
In most cases, cataracts develop slowly and do not impair vision in the early stages. Over time, cataracts will definitely damage your vision
In the early stages, better lighting and glasses help the patient to relieve the symptoms of cataracts If vision problems prevent you from normal activities, surgery is recommended Fortunately, cataract surgery is generally a safe, effective procedure
Most cataracts occur when the lens tissue undergoes changes due to aging or injury
Sometimes, the development of cataracts is linked to inherited genetic diseases that cause other health problems along with an increased risk of cataracts. Cataracts may also accompany other eye diseases Possible precipitating conditions include diabetes, trauma, or eye surgery Long-term use of steroids also leads to the formation of cataracts
How a cataract is formed Broli (the place where the cataract occurs) is located behind the colored membrane of the eye. It focuses light into the eye, producing a clear, sharp image on the retina, the light-sensitive membrane at the back of the eye. The function of the retina is similar to the function of the camera film
Cataract scatters light as it passes through the lens, preventing a clear image on the retina. As a result, vision is blurred
With age, the crystal becomes less elastic, loses its transparency and thickens. Aging changes the crystal tissue and creates small clumps that cloud the crystal As the cataract develops, the clouding becomes more intense and covers the largest part of the lens
Cataract can develop in one eye, but mostly it develops bilaterally However, cataracts are generally not symmetrical, meaning that damage to one eye may be more pronounced than the other
Types of cataracts The types of cataracts are:
- Cataracts that damage the central part of the lens (nuclear cataracts) This type of cataract may initially manifest as nearsightedness or a sudden improvement in reading vision. After some time, the crystal becomes more damaged, turns yellow and blurs the vision
- When a cataract develops, the lens may turn brown Yellowing or browning causes color perception problems
- Cataracts that damage the edges of the lens (cortical cataracts) This type of cataract begins as a whitish, cone-shaped spot or line on the outer edge of the crystalline lens.
- As cataracts develop, the lines and spots move to the center and block light from passing through. This type of cataract creates fixed vision problems in patients
- A cataract that affects the back of the lens (posterior subcapsular cataract) This type of cataract begins as a small, cloudy area at the back of the lens, right where light passes through to the retina.
- Posterior cataract often interferes with reading, impairs vision in light, and causes a coronal spot or halo around the lens at night.
- Congenital cataracts Some people are born with cataracts or develop cataracts during childhood This type of cataract can be caused by an infection in the mother's body during pregnancy
- Such cataracts also accompany certain diseases, such as: myotonic dystrophy, galactosemia, Lowe's syndrome or rubella Congenital cataracts do not always impair vision, but if they do, surgery is usually quick.
Signs and symptoms of cataracts include:
- Blurred, blurred vision
- Worse vision at night
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Seeing coronal spots around light
- Frequent changes in glasses or contact lens numbers
When the cataract grows and covers a large part of the lens, the transmission of light is impaired This leads to more visible signs and symptoms
When to consult a doctor
Schedule a visit to a doctor (ophthalmologist) if you notice changes in your vision If your vision suddenly worsens or you develop double or blurred vision, see your doctor immediately.
