A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. For people who have cataracts, seeing through cloudy lenses is a bit like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. Clouded vision caused by cataracts can make it more difficult to read, drive a car (especially at night) or see the expression on a friend’s face. Most cataracts develop slowly and don’t disturb your eyesight early on. But with time, cataracts will eventually interfere with your vision.
Causes
Aging is the most common cause. Other causes include diabetes, prolonged use of steroid, excessive radiation or ultraviolet exposure, congenital causes. History of ocular surgery, intraocular inflammation or trauma may also induce cataract.
Risk Factors
Factors that increase your risk of cataracts include:
- Increasing age
- Diabetes
- Excessive exposure to sunlight
- Smoking
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Previous eye injury or inflammation
- Previous eye surgery
- Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications
- Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol
Signs / Symptoms
- Clouded, blurred or dim vision
- Increasing difficulty with vision at night
- Need for brighter light for reading and other activities
- Seeing “halos” around lights
- Fading or yellowing of colors
- Double vision in a single eye
Prevention
No studies have proved how to prevent cataracts or slow the progression of cataracts. But several strategies may be helpful, including:
- Regular eye examinations. It can help detect cataracts and other eye problems at their earliest stages.
- Manage other health problems. Follow your treatment plan if you have diabetes or other medical conditions that can increase your risk of cataracts.
- Wear sunglasses. Ultraviolet light from the sun may contribute to the development of cataracts. Wear sunglasses that block ultraviolet B (UVB) rays when you’re outdoors.
- Quit smoking.
- Reduce alcohol use.
Treatment
If significantly affecting daily activities or work, the patient may consider undergoing cataract extraction operation, which is the only clinically proven treatment to date. It involves the removal of opacified lens and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens. The operation is usually performed under local anaesthesia, unless under special circumstances at the discretion of doctor, at which general anaesthesia may be required.
Reference :
– HKSAR Department of Health
– HK Hospital Authority Smart Patient
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