Cataract

Know more about Cataract

Cataract is the clouding of the lens of your eye that impairs vision. In cataract there is a buildup of protein in the lens that makes it cloudy. This prevents light from passing clearly through the lens, thereby causing loss of vision.

Advancing age is a primary reason for cataract. With age, protein of the lens turns opaque. Other causes of cataract are metabolic disorders such as diabetes, excessive exposure to sunlight, lifestyle disorders like heavy alcohol consumption and smoking. Injury to the eye can also lead to clouding of the lens of the eye.

When the lens in your eye becomes cloudy, the light reaching the retina is blurred and distorted and your vision is affected then this clouded lens is called a cataract which must be removed for vision to be restored. A clouded lens can be compared to a window that is frosted or "fogged" with steam. Cataracts are treated as a surgical procedure that has become a fairly common practice in India.

Symptoms

• Blurring vision.
• Sensitivity to light or glare.
• Double vision in one eye.
• Poor night vision.
• Needing brighter light to read
• Experiencing fading or yellowing of colors.
• If the cloudiness is not near the center of the lens, you may not be aware that you have a cataract.

Treatment of Cataract

When cataract forms, surgery is the only way to treat it. In cataract surgery, the surgeon removes the clouded lens and puts an Intra Ocular Lens (IOL) in your eye. Your vision will be as good as pre-cataract days, though you may need to wear glasses. Over the years, cataract surgery has moved from vision restorative to refractive surgery, so that you have reduced need of glasses.