Health Tip: Know The Facts About Cataracts

Main Category: Eye Health / Blindness
Article Date: 08 Aug 2007 - 1:00 PDT

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What is a cataract?

A cataract is a cloudy or opaque region of the eye's naturally clear lens. In healthy eyes, light rays pass through the lens and are focused on the retina (positioned in the back of the eye) to produce a clear illustration of what is seen. A cataract forms when the lens is clouded and it becomes difficult for light rays to pass through, resulting in distorted vision.

Who is at high risk?

For most people, cataracts are a natural result of aging. Many who suffer from cataracts are over age 60. Approximately 50 percent of people between ages 65 and 74, and 70 percent of those 75 and older, suffer from cataracts.

Although aging has been reported as the strongest influence of cataract development, other factors may include eye injuries, radiation exposure, excessive exposure to sunlight, and certain metabolic diseases, such as diabetes. Genetics also play a significant role in cataract formation.

Noticeable Symptoms of Cataracts May Include:

-- Cloudy, blurry, or foggy vision
-- Double vision in one eye
-- Loss of eye color
-- Frequent prescription changes in eyeglasses
-- Poor nighttime vision
-- Sensitivity to glare from bright lights or the sun

How are cataracts diagnosed?

Cataracts can be diagnosed through various tests performed by an ophthalmologist. These tests may include the standard ophthalmic exam, which examines the patient's visual acuity, or the slit lamp examination, which examines the front structure of the eye. Although moderately rare, other tests may also be performed, including the glare test, contrast sensitivity test, potential visual test, and specular microscopic of the cornea.

How are cataracts removed?

There are no known medications, eye drops, glasses or exercises that can cure or prevent cataracts from forming. Surgical removal is the only treatment for removing cataracts; however, surgery may not always be necessary. It is not recommended to remove a cataract if a patient is only experiencing a slight blur in vision.

A simple adjustment to the eyeglass prescription may be a temporary solution. Cataract surgery is considered once the patient is visibly unable to perform everyday activities. The patient and doctor should decide together when surgery is necessary.

How is cataract surgery performed?

Prior to surgery, the patient and doctor discuss options for surgery, and together they decide which type of removal and lens replacement process is best. During surgery, the clouded lens is removed from the eye and replaced with an artificial lens through a small surgical incision. In most cases, the cloudy lens is replaced with a permanent intraocular lens. The surgery can be done in an outpatient facility or hospital. With the escort of a friend of family member, the patient is not required to stay overnight.

Primary prevention

It is highly recommended to avoid sun exposure-a known factor contributing to cataract formation. Wearing protective UV sunglasses helps reduce the amount of exposed light to the eye. If applicable, quitting smoking is also recommended to decrease the risk of cataracts.

Visit our health information library for more educational information on cataracts and available treatments.

Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology

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