Cataracts

What is a Cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil.

The Analogy: Imagine looking through a foggy or frosted window. Things look blurry, hazy, and less colorful. It is not a growth on the surface of the eye, but a change inside the lens itself.

Symptoms: The Gradual Fade

Cataracts usually develop slowly and painlessly. Watch for these changes:

• Cloudy/Blurred Vision: Like looking through a dirty camera lens.
• Night Trouble: Difficulty driving at night due to glare.
• Halos: Seeing bright rings around streetlights or headlights.
• Faded Colors: Colors may look yellowed or washed out.
• Double Vision: Seeing double in just one eye.

Types of Cataracts

The symptoms depend on which part of the lens is clouding over.

Type	Location	Key Symptom
Nuclear Sclerotic	Center of the lens.	Nearsightedness improves briefly ("Second Sight"), then vision yellows/browns.
Cortical	Edges of the lens (Wedge shapes).	Problems with glare; light streaks scatter across vision.
Posterior Subcapsular	Back of the lens.	Progresses faster. Causes severe glare and difficulty reading.

Causes & Risk Factors

• Aging: The most common cause. Proteins in the lens break down and clump together.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar damages the lens.
• UV Exposure: Excessive sunlight without sunglasses.
• Steroids: Long-term use of corticosteroid medications.
• Smoking: Increases risk significantly.

Treatment: Cataract Surgery

Surgery is the only way to remove a cataract. It is one of the most common and safest surgeries in the world.

ℹ️ WHEN TO HAVE SURGERY?
You do not need to rush. Surgery is only recommended when your vision loss interferes with your daily life (e.g., you can't drive safely, read, or watch TV).

The Procedure (Phacoemulsification)

1. Numbing: The eye is numbed with drops. You are awake but feel no pain.
2. Removal: The surgeon makes a tiny incision. An ultrasound probe breaks up the cloudy lens and suctions it out.
3. Replacement: An artificial Intraocular Lens (IOL) is inserted. This lens is permanent and requires no care.

Complications

If untreated for too long, a cataract can become "Hyper-Mature" (completely white), which can cause inflammation or glaucoma and is harder to remove surgically.

Secondary Cataract: Months or years after surgery, the membrane holding the new lens may become cloudy. This is easily fixed with a quick, painless laser procedure (YAG Laser).

Prevention & Lifestyle

• Wear Sunglasses: Block UV rays to slow progression.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking speeds up lens degeneration.
• Eat Antioxidants: Leafy greens and fruits may promote eye health.
• Brighter Lights: Use brighter lamps for reading if you aren't ready for surgery yet.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.