Cataracts Of The Eye - Symptoms, Treatment, Prevention
One of the commonest problems of the eye we come across as our age advance is the development of cataracts of the eye.
A cloudy area or opacity in the naturally clear lens of the eye is called a cataract. Although it is a condition which is commonly seen in adults and develops with advancing age, it can be seen present in babies as well.
Congenital Cataract
Babies may sometimes be born with it or may be affected shortly after birth. This form of cataract is called congenital cataract. Congenital cataracts may be inherited or it may be caused by various insults caused to the developing eye during embryonic life of the baby. Maternal infections such as rubella during pregnancy and metabolic abnormalities of the baby can also lead to the formation of cataracts.
Causes The exact reason as to why the natural lens of the eye becomes opaque is still a mystery. There are several factors which are proved to contribute to the development of cataracts in adults. Environmental factors such as ultraviolet light, cigarette smoke, environmental pollution and various types of radiation enhance the process of development of cataracts. Injury to the eye and metabolic diseases such as diabetes increases the risk of cataract formation. Another source which accelerates the process is certain medications. Drugs such as corticosteroids are proven to accelerate the process of cataract formation. Symptoms While most people who are affected complain of blurred vision or decreased vision in general, others complain of decreased night vision. Halos around lights, glare sensitivity, inaccuracy in judging color intensity, frequently having to change eye glasses and double vision in one eye are other common symptoms of this disease. Pain is not a symptom of cataract. Prevention The role of nutritional supplements and eye drops to prevent or arrest the development of cataracts is an issue currently being debated and researched by the medical community. Control of diseases which affect formation of cataracts may be successful in alleviating symptoms to some extent but there is no natural cure documented for the condition. Wearing sun glasses and wide brimmed hats will reduce the amount of ultra violet rays entering your eyes. Ultraviolet rays are a risk factor for the disease. Treatment The primary goal of treatment is to correct the visual problems which have become bothersome to the sufferer. Changing eye glasses, using stronger reading glasses and magnifiers may be of some help in the initial stages but surgical removal of the cataract is the ultimate mode of treatment. After removing the cataract an artificial lens called an intra ocular lens (or IOL) will be implanted in the eye to restore vision. The IOL will enable to focus distant objects but usually glasses will be required for reading.
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