As people age, they experience a range of health problems, including cataracts. It’s an eye condition that gradually develops and may affect either one or both eyes. This condition happens when the natural lens of the eyes becomes cloudy, resulting in diminished vision. Because of its gradual progression, you can’t always tell if you need to visit a cataract hospital or seek medical help. In this article, we’ll talk about cataracts and the indications you should see a doctor.
What is a cataract?
As previously mentioned, it’s a condition that affects the eye’s natural lens. The lens, which is naturally clear, is made up of proteins. Over time, the proteins break down, which will cause the pupils to look orange-brown. If left untreated, it can’t turn completely white, resulting in cloudy, blurry, or less colourful vision. Cataracts can be caused by age, heredity, diabetes, trauma to the eye, smoking, or steroid use.
What are the common symptoms of cataracts?
- The pupils appear white or orange-brown
- Difficulty seeing, especially at night or in the rain
- Blurry or distorted vision
- Extra sensitivity to light from lamps, sunlight, or headlights
- Bright colours appear yellow or faded
- You see a halo around lights
- Double vision even in one eye
In the early onset of cataracts, vision loss is not readily noticeable, and the cloudiness only affects a small part of the eye’s lens. As the problem develops and the cataracts grow larger, you’re going to notice other symptoms.
How do you know if you’re at risk for cataracts?
While age is a common factor in the development of this eye condition, there are other elements that come into play.
- A family history of cataracts
- Too much sun exposure
- Certain health problems, such as diabetes
- Smoking and drinking too much alcohol
- Taking steroids over a long period
- Eye injury or trauma
- Head eye surgery
- Had radiation treatment on the upper body
The moment you notice any changes in your vision, have your eyes checked right away. Early detection is better than complete vision loss. The same is true if there are sudden changes in your vision, such as eye pain, double vision, or flashes of light. In situations like these, an edina eye doctor (or a similar professional in your locality) can provide timely care and prevent more serious complications down the line.
To diagnose the condition, your ophthalmologist will run several tests. These include dilating your pupils or checking the inside of your eyes to find the source of the problem. They will also check your vision’s sharpness and clarity through refraction and visual acuity tests. In the event that you’re diagnosed with cataracts, your doctor will discuss your options and provide recommendations.
Is there a way to prevent cataracts?
Just like there are exercises for the elderly to keep them healthy at their age, there are ways to keep your eyes healthy.
- Protect your eyes from prolonged sun exposure. Wear a hat or sunglasses to block the harmful UV rays.
- Wear protective eyewear to prevent injuries and trauma to the eyes. This is especially true if you use power tools or play certain sports.
- Quit smoking or drinking. Better yet, don’t start.
- Eat for eye health. There are lots of foods you can eat to keep your eyes in tip-top shape. These include fruits, veggies, whole grains, nuts, and leafy greens.
Cataracts are not entirely life-threatening, but they can be life-changing when left untreated. By following preventive measures and identifying early signs, you don’t have to experience this kind of eye problem. Make it a habit to visit eye care specialists to check the health levels of your eyes.
