Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss among people over age 55.
They can make your vision appear fuzzy or blurry, as if you are looking through a fogged-up window.
Cataracts can develop due to normal aging.Additionally, risk factors such asdiabetesandsmokingcan also predispose you to cataracts.
Illustration by Emily Roberts, Verywell
There are three different types of cataracts, distinguished by the part of the lens affected.
Changes in vision are usually gradual.
As anuclear sclerotic cataractdevelops, you may experience an improvement in your near vision before your vision deteriorates.
Referred to as “second sight,” this stage is usually only temporary.
Cortical Cataracts
Diabetes is one of the leading risk factors for developing a cortical cataract.
The cataract generally appears as a whitish, cloudy opacity in the cortex of the lens.
These cataracts often resemble wheel spokes, pointing toward the front and center of the lens.
Light tends to scatter when it hits the spoke-like opacities.
PSC is an opacity that develops on the back surface of the lens.
This jot down of cataract causes light sensitivity, blurred near vision, and glare and halos around lights.
It is more common among people who have diabetes or who have taken steroids for extended periods of time.
Cataract Symptoms
Cataracts can develop in one or both eyes.
They are painless and don’t cause any changes in the appearance of your eyes.
The most common symptoms of cataracts include:
Often, the vision changes due to cataracts are gradual.
Most older people develop some degree of lens clouding, which is a normal part of aging.
However, if a cataract is left untreated, it can eventually lead to complete blindness.
The lens is responsible for focusing light and producing clear, sharp images.
The entire lens is contained within a lens capsule.
Early on, a cataract may be a small, opaque spot.
Risk Factors
The biggest risk factor for developing cataracts is aging.
Many people live with mild cataracts for years.
However, if your cataract is causing substantial vision loss, there is no benefit to waiting before surgery.
Advanced cataracts also carry a higher risk of complications during surgery.
Eye Drops
There are avariety of artificial tear eye dropson the market.
Though they are not a treatment for cataracts, they can help relieve symptoms.
Speak with your healthcare provider about which is most appropriate for you.
Wait 15 minutes after using a prescription eye drop before using artificial tears.
Cataract surgery is usually performed on one eye at a time.
This is done to minimize potential complications.
It is usually an out-patient procedure, and you should expect to go home on the same day.
The skin around your eye and eyelid will be cleaned and sterilized.
A sterile drape will be placed over your head and around your eye.
Anesthetic eye drops are then applied.
Next, the capsule will be opened.
A small ultrasonic probe will be inserted into your eye.
This probe will dissolve the cataract and the remaining material will be suctioned out.
After cataract surgery, your healthcare provider may place an antibiotic ointment directly in your eye to prevent infection.
Your vision may be blurry due to the inflammation, pupil dilation, and antibiotic ointment.
These eye drops are used to prevent infection and to manage inflammation.
You should avoid touching and rubbing your eye.
You’ll be instructed to wear an eye patch your first night after surgery to protect your eye.
You should avoid bending over and lifting heavy objects for the first week or two following surgery.
Your healthcare provider will most likely ask you to come in for several follow-up visits to monitor your recovery.
Possible Complications
Cataract surgery is a safe procedure with very few complications.
However, as with any surgery, post-operative problems may develop.
Consumingantioxidantsand omega-3 fatty acids is associated with alower risk of cataracts.
This may be related to the actions of these dietary components, which neutralize harmful substances in the body.
Cataracts may be causing your vision problems, but other eye diseases can cause clouded vision as well.
Your eye doctor will perform several diagnostic tests to check the overall health of your eyes.
Many eye problems can be prevented or corrected if detected early.
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American Academy of Ophthalmology.Cataract Diagnosis and Treatment.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.What can I use for my red, itchy eyes after cataract surgery?
Davis G.The evolution of cataract surgery.Mo Med.
2016;113(1):58-62.
American Academy of Ophthalmology.Traditional Cataract Surgery vs. Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery.
Stein JD.Serious adverse events after cataract surgery.Curr Opin Ophthalmol.
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