A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of your eye (the clear part of the eye that helps to focus light). Cataract are very common as you get older. When is the best age to get cataract surgery? Most cataracts begin to develop after the age of 40 and before the age of 65.
At first, cataract may be asymptomatic. But over time, cataract can make your vision blurry, hazy, or less colorful. You may have trouble reading or doing other everyday activities.
Over time, cataract can lead to vision loss.
What are the types of cataract?
The majority of cataract develop due to age-related changes in the eyes, which occur naturally as you grow older. However, cataract can also develop from other causes, such as eye injuries or as a result of surgery for another eye-related issue.
No matter what type of cataract you have, you’ll need surgery to treat it.
Did you know?
Symptoms of cataract may not manifest initially with mild cases, but as they progress, they can lead to changes in vision. These symptoms include:
-
- Cloudy or blurry vision
-
- Faded colors
-
- Difficulty seeing clearly at night
-
- Increased sensitivity to bright lights such as lamps, sunlight, or headlights
-
- Seeing halos around lights
-
- Double vision, which may worsen as the cataract grows
-
- Frequent changes in prescription for glasses or contact lenses
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult your eye doctor, as they could also indicate other eye-related issues.
Am I at risk for cataract?
Your risk for cataract goes up as you get older. You’re also at higher risk if you:
· Have certain health problems, like diabetes
· Smoke
· Drink too much alcohol
· Have a family history of cataract
· Have had an eye injury, eye surgery, or radiation treatment on your upper body
· Have spent a lot of time in the sun
· Take steroids — medicines used to treat some health problems, like arthritis or allergies
If you’re worried you might be at risk for cataract, talk with your doctor. Ask if there’s anything you can do to lower your risk.
What causes cataract?
Most cataract happen because of normal changes in your eyes as you get older.
When you’re young, the lens in your eye is clear. Around age 40, the proteins in the lens of your eye start to break down and clump together. This clump makes a cloudy area on your lens — known as a cataract. Over time, the cataract gets worse and makes more of your lens cloudy.
How can I prevent cataract?
You can take steps to protect your eyes from cataract:
-
- Protect your eyes from the sun. Wear sunglasses and a hat with a brim to block the sun.
-
- Protect your eyes from injury. While doing activities like using power tools or playing certain sports, wear protective eyewear to protect your eyes from getting accidentally injured.
-
- Quit smoking. If you’re Ready to quit, call (1800-112-356) for free support.
-
- Make eye-healthy food choices. Eat plenty of healthy foods — like fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains.
How will my eye doctor check for cataract?
An eye doctor can check for cataract as part of a dilated eye exam. If you’re age 60 or older, get a dilated eye exam every 1 to 2 years. The exam is simple and painless — your doctor will give you some eye drops to dilate (widen) your pupil and then check your eyes for cataracts and other eye problems.
What’s the treatment for cataract?
Surgery is the only way to get rid of a cataract, but you may not need to get surgery right away.
Surgery. Your doctor might suggest surgery if your cataract start getting in the way of everyday activities like reading, driving, or watching TV. During cataract surgery, the doctor removes the clouded lens and replaces it with a new, artificial lens (also called an intraocular lens, or IOL). its success rate is about 99 percent.
Talk about your options with your Best eye doctor. Most people don’t need to rush into surgery. Waiting to have surgery usually won’t harm your eyes or make surgery more difficult later. Use these tips:
-
- Tell your doctor if cataract are getting in the way of your everyday activities
-
- See your doctor for regular check-ups
-
- Ask your doctor about the benefits and risks of cataract surgery
-
- Encourage family members to get checked for cataract since they can run in families.
Also Read : Cataract Surgery in Younger Patients
