Symptoms of Cataract

The term cataract comes from the Greek word 'cataractos', translating literally into running water, where water turns foamy and unclear when it gushes and is calm and clear when it isn't - making a comparison to that of a cataract problem. The natural lens in one's eye over time, deteriorates the quality of vision, altering it and leading to loss in clearness.

The lens focuses light into the retina at the back of one's eye where the brain deciphers signals and results in one being able to see. The lens which is placed behind the iris, around the pupil area when extremely cloudy, can be seen clearly by the individual and others. The cataract symptoms take place when vision gets cloudy and obscures one's line of vision.

Cataract usually befalls those who are in their mid fifties, or when crossing their sixties. Not many people know that they may have cataract since the symptoms slowly progress from mild to severe over time. It can happen either in one eye, or both at a time, where the latter is a case that commonly takes place.

Types of Cataract

There are different sorts of cataract that one can experience depending on different circumstances that come to the fore as some time in one's life. Let's take a look at the different types of this eye problem.

Congenital
Newborns as they age slowly, develop cataract at a young age since in some cases these can actually be inherited, although not severe enough to cause cloudy vision. Surgery of course is needed before it does escalate into a full-blown vision problem that can hamper sight, where the cataract can be removed after evaluating the many options currently available.

Due to Age
It is a clear sign that one has cataract when they notice the blotches in the eye area that turn a milky white as he / she ages. They become more pronounced as one makes a transition from age 50 to more, where they initially start to develop as one reaches their 40s. There are some cases where patients undergo eye surgery where cataract is an aftereffect of this. Even those who take steroids or suffer from diabetes can develop cataract at some point in their lives.

Trauma Related
Chemicals or severe accidents that result in the eyes being subjected to trauma can result in cataract depending on how severe a case it is. It can either take place as and when the incident occurs, or over the years post the traumatic episode.

Radiation
Ultraviolet rays can cause cataract due to direct or repeated exposure to sunlight, where even other kinds of radiation can cause a similar effect. It is important to always protect the eyes from such elements and to always wear safety eye wear depending on where the person is and what he / she is exposed to.

Eye Cataract Symptoms

These are the symptoms that one faces when witnessing certain changes with regard to vision.

• Night vision becomes increasingly difficult.
• Halo like circles forming around light sources.
• White spot forming on the pupil.
• Blurred or dim vision.
• Seeing double in a single eye.
• Colors start to yellow.
• Eyes are sensitive to intense light.
• Color changes.
• Contrast falters.
• Constantly changing contact lens / eyeglass prescriptions.
• Foggy vision.
• Difficulty seeing completely.

Surgery Options for Cataract

When cataract takes place, it is because incoming light that passes through the lens of one's eye which is placed behind the iris, is distorted. The retina, which is a sensitive membrane at the back of one's eye is what interprets light, changing it into consequent shapes, colors and images. When this doesn't receive the right amount of light directed on the retina for a perfect image, vision is hazy and blurred. When one ages, the tissues break down and join together to form cloudy patches around the lens, developing into larger formations as time goes by.

Cataract can very well be treated in time, provided that you act immediately and get subsequent treatment. When one resorts to cataract surgery, it is only when vision reaches a point where driving and reading becomes near to impossible. The 'Snellen test' is first done in order to measure the advancement of one's cataract and inability to see. It is an eye examination and measurement test of vision acuity - if one's vision is 20/40 then cataract surgery complications can take place, since the better one's visual acuity, the more urgent the need to find a way to surgically treat the patient's problem. The following are the types of surgeries for cataract.

Intracapsular
This kind of surgery is rare, and involves the removal of the entire lens with the capsule. It is then affixed with an Intraocular lens, which takes on the role of the eye's lens. If this doesn't work for the patient, then a soft contact lens is placed inside instead to take on the function of the lens.

Extracapsular
The posterior capsule which is situated behind the lens is left in the eye, where only the lens are removed.

Small Incision (No-Stitch)
This surgery is a new method of dealing with cataract patients, where an ultrasound probe breaks down the nucleus of the lens. A small incision is made on the white of the eye, where the lens problems is solved. This cuts down the risk of getting astigmatism, which comes about when stitches on the cornea, in the case of the other surgeries causes blurred vision. If the case of cataract hasn't reached an advanced stage, then this surgery is ideal, whereas if the case is severe, then extracapsular surgery is performed instead.

Phacoemulsification
The posterior capsule is left in the eye, where the surgery involves the softening of the lens through sound waves, and is removed using a needle.

Prevention of Cataract

The symptoms of this condition can be avoided if you follow certain preventive measures that can start from home, in order to dodge the consequences of certain lifestyle issues.

• For those suffering from ailments like diabetes, do what is needed in order to take care of yourself by eating right and taking prescribed medication.
• Smoking is one cause of developing cataract, try to snub the habit and find alternatives to help you cope when quitting.
• Go for regular eye check ups and get the right prescriptions done for contacts / eyeglasses.
• Eating healthy is key, that is, a good balance of fruits and vegetables where nutrients and minerals are important for one's system to help prevent cataract. Maintaining a good weight, and a healthy overall physique is crucial.
• Wear sunglasses when stepping out into the sun, or wide-brimmed hats to avoid direct eye contact with UVB (ultraviolet B) rays.

With these key points and factors in mind, you can be sure that cataract will not put you through an ordeal if ignored. Have a healthy tomorrow.