Cataracts
Cataracts are one of the most common conditions that require surgery in the patients over 40. Cataracts are readily diagnosed by a comprehensive eye exam. Many people have the misconception that a cataract is a skim over the eye. In fact, a cataract is a clouding of the eye’s naturally clear lens The lens actually is not on the surface of the eye but it is anatomically located behind the iris. The cornea and lens are responsible for focusing. The lens works much like a camera lens and is responsible for focusing light clearly onto the retina. In youth, the lens is flexible and changes shape to instantly focus for all distances including near. As one ages, the lens becomes stiff and patients need the aid of reading glasses or bifocals to see up close.
The lens consists mainly of water and protein. The protein is specialized like the white of an egg and transparent in youth due to the structure of the protein. This structure and character keeps the lens clear and allows light to pass through it. As we age, the protein changes and there can be water clefts between the protein fibers and the clarity is lost like a cooked egg. When the clouding becomes clinically significant and interferes with daily activities, this is a cataract. The natural history of cataracts is to grow over time, ultimately causing significant visual impairment.
If you are concerned about cataracts there is really no way to self diagnose and no reason to delay an evaluation. Cataracts are much easier to remove in the moderate stages than the late stages and if the cataract is neglected, the surgery may result in complications. Complications can be infections, bleeding, loss of vision or even loss of the eye. Fortunately, in well trained hands, these complications are rare.
Most cataracts grow slowly over time and do not create a significant vision problem until after age 45. However, cataracts can also be present at birth (congenital cataracts) or occur at any age as the result of an injury to the eye (traumatic cataracts). Diseases such as diabetes or of the long-term use of certain medications, such as steroids can also cause cataracts.
Cataract Symptoms
At first a cataract has little effect on your vision. You may notice that your vision is blurred a little, like looking through a cloudy piece of glass or viewing an impressionist painting.
However, as cataracts worsen, you are likely to notice some or all of these problems:
Blurred vision that cannot be corrected with a change in your glasses prescription.
Ghost images or double vision in one or both eyes.
Glare from sunlight and artificial light, including oncoming headlights when driving at night.
Colors appear faded and less vibrant.
Halos
Trouble with night driving or driving in the bright sun.
Cataract Prevention
The best prevention for cataracts is the same as the best prevention for a healthy life. The role of nutrition is controversial but it is clear that diseases such as diabetes can contribute to cataracts. Smoking has been implicated as well. Nutritional supplements may play an increasing role in prevention. Antioxidants are among the best class of mediacations.
Research suggests that higher dietary intakes of vitamin E and the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin from food and supplements are associated with significantly decreased risks of cataract.
Good sources of vitamin E include sunflower seeds, almonds and spinach. Good sources of lutein and zeaxanthin include spinach, kale and other green, leafy vegetables.
Other studies have shown antioxidant vitamins such as vitamin C and foods containing omega-3 fatty acids may reduce cataract risk.
Another step you can take to reduce your risk of cataracts is to wear protective sunglasses that block 100 percent of the sun’s UV rays when you are outdoors.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or would like to prevent cataracts, make an appointment with your eye doctor for further recommendations.