Cataracts, a leading cause of blindness globally, impact approximately 65.2 million individuals. Their occurrence rises significantly with age, from around 3.9% in those aged 55–64 to 92.6% in individuals aged 80 and above.

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye, which blocks or alters the flow of light entering the eye. This clouding can lead to decreased vision and, if left untreated, can cause blindness. Cataracts develop slowly and are often related to aging, although other factors can contribute to their formation.

Causes of Cataracts

• Aging: The natural aging process is the most common cause of cataracts. As we age, the proteins in the lens begin to break down and clump together, forming cloudy areas.
• Genetics: A family history of cataracts can increase your risk.
• Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and specific blood chemistry issues heighten the likelihood of developing cataracts.
• Trauma: Eye injuries can cause cataracts to form.
• Radiation Exposure: Prolonged exposure to UV rays and radiation therapy can also contribute.
• Medications: Long-term use of corticosteroids and other drugs can lead to cataract formation.

Symptoms of Cataracts

Recognizing the symptoms of cataracts is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment. Common symptoms include:

• Blurred Vision: As the cataract grows, it scatters and blocks light, leading to blurry vision.
• Fading Colors: Colors may appear less vibrant or yellowed.
• Glare and Halos: Increased sensitivity to light, with halos appearing around lights.
• Poor Night Vision: Difficulty seeing in low-light conditions.
• Frequent Prescription Changes: Needing to update glasses or contact lenses more often.

If you experience these symptoms, it is essential to consult an eye care professional for a comprehensive examination.

Diagnosing Cataracts

Diagnosing cataracts involves several important tests:

• Visual Acuity Test: Checks how well you can see at different distances.
• Slit-Lamp Examination: Magnifies the front of your eye to spot any cataract signs.
• Retinal Exam: With dilated pupils, the doctor checks the retina for cataract indications.
• Tonometry: Measures eye pressure, helping to diagnose cataracts and watch for other conditions.

Cataract Treatment

Cataract treatment depends on how much it affects your daily life. If your vision is still good, you may not need surgery for years, if at all. But when cataracts impair vision and quality of life, surgery is the best option. During surgery, the cloudy lens is replaced with a clear artificial one called an intraocular lens (IOL). The cloudy lens is broken up and removed using ultrasound waves.

There are different types of IOLs available:

• Fixed-focus mono-focal: Good for distance vision, but reading glasses may be needed.
• Accommodating-focus mono-focal: Can adjust to near or far vision.
• Multifocal: Helps with near, medium, and far vision, like bifocal or progressive lenses.
• Astigmatism correction (toric): Corrects significant astigmatism for clearer vision.

Post-Surgery Care and Recovery

Following cataract surgery, expect gradual improvement in your vision over a few days, although initial blurriness is normal as your eye heals. Regular check-ups with your eye doctor are necessary to monitor healing, typically scheduled within the first week and after about a month.

• Mild discomfort and itching are common but should subside within a couple of days.
• Avoid rubbing your eye.
• Wearing an eye patch or protective shield, especially while sleeping, may be advised initially.
• Prescription eye drops or medications help prevent infection and reduce swelling.
• Any persistent pain, vision loss, increased redness, or unusual symptoms warrant immediate medical attention.

Most individuals require glasses post-surgery, and your doctor will determine when your eyes have sufficiently healed for a final prescription, typically within one to three months.

Cataracts are a common condition, particularly among the aging population, but they are highly treatable. Understanding the causes and recognizing the symptoms can empower you to take control of your eye health. Remember, timely intervention can preserve and restore your vision, enhancing your quality of life.