The presence of cloudiness in the lens of the eye is termed as cataract. The eye lens, which is an elastic component of the eye, is responsible for the reception of normal vision. The lens is very transparent as it allows the light rays to pass through it. The dead cells get concealed on top of the lens and obstruct the vision. As we age the lens will lose its transparency and becomes opaque or blurred.
Causes of Cataract
Age factor – This is one of the most common causes of cataracts. As the age of the person increases the lens becomes opaque and cloudy. This will slowly reduce clear vision and finally no vision if it is not treated properly.
Damage to the eye – Sometimes the eye lens capsule can be damaged by the foreign bodies entering the eye. This type of cataract that is called is termed as traumatic cataract. People working in glass furnaces and welders are the ones who are mostly affected by this type of cataract. This causes serious damage to the eyes.
Medications for the eye – Care should be taken while using medicines for the eye in the form of eye drops. If it is used without the consultation with doctor then there are chances of cataract forming in the eye.
Smoking – Too much smoking can lead to opacity of the eye lens. This is caused by the smoke that is emitted due to smoking. This opacity of eye lens leads to cataract.
Other diseases – People suffering from diabetes mellitus are likely to get affected from cataract in the long run. Asthma and emphysema suffers also tend to develop cataract. However this cataract is mainly caused due to the prolonged medication that they use to cure the disease and not because of the disease itself. So care should be taken on the amount of medication that is to be taken to avoid the effect of cataract.
Types of Cataract
The following are the list of important types of cataracts that are seen in humans.
Senile Cataract:
Senile cataract is caused due to opacity of the lens by natural ageing process. This affects elderly persons who are mostly more than 60 years of age.
Traumatic Cataract:
This is caused due to physical damage that occurs to the lens of the eye. Foreign particles that enter into the eye and are difficult to remove can cause traumatic cataract. People working in hazardous conditions are more prone to this type of cataract.
Complicated Cataract:
This type of cataract occurs to persons who suffer from the complication arising from other chronic disease that they might have. Diabetes, emphysema and asthma patients are prone to suffer from this type of cataract.
Congenital Cataract:
This is mainly seen in infants if the mother had suffered from German measles during pregnancy. New born babies are the ones who are affected by congenital cataract.
Toxic Cataracts:
Toxic cataracts are caused when medicines or chemicals that are toxic to eyes are used for a long period of time. Eye drops that contain prednisone and cortisone when used for a long time can cause this type of cataract. People when smoking inhale the toxic fumes into their body which affects the lens of the eye. They also are prone to this toxic cataract.
Symptoms of Cataract
The following are the very prominent symptoms that can be seen in persons who are affected by cataract.
• The pupils tend to grow milky white as day goes by.
• The vision becomes cloudier and becomes difficult to focus on objects.
• Double vision is seen in one of the eyes.
• The eyes require optical glasses, which need frequent number changes.
• Difficult to see object in poor light conditions.
• Reading becomes difficult without bright and intense light.
• Colors appear to be yellow and faded.
• Not able to see light properly as the eyes become very sensitive to light.
• Around light sources a dim circle is seen. This is also one of the symptoms of cataract.
Prevention of Cataract
It is difficult top prevent cataract since the most important cause is advancing age. But, care can be taken to reduce the chances of cataract affecting the eye. The following are the important steps that have to be taken as a preventive measure.
• Go for a regular eye checkup. Aged persons above the age of 60 years should have their eyes checked frequently if and when they find some difficulty in seeing objects clearly.
• Eyes should not be exposed to X-rays, microwaves and infrared radiation. This will have severe impact on the lens of the eye.
• Adjust the lighting in your homes in a way that you do not directly stare at them. Never stare directly at any source of light as it may have serious consequences to eye.
• Always try to use white and milky sources of light rather than incandescent bulbs. The filaments in the incandescent bulbs are too luminous to the human eye and this may affect the eye lens.
• Use proper and genuine eye gear when moving on sunny weather. Cheap eye gear can do more harm than protect you from heat radiation.
• Try to avoid excessive exposure to the heat and sunlight. This can cause excessive wear and tear of the eye lens. This should be followed for all type of ages.
• Smoking is one of the main causes of cataract in old age. Try to quit smoking as it does more harm than good to our body.
• Try to avoid direct contact with toxic fumes. This may do physical damage to eye lens.
• Avoid frequent medication to eyes in the form of eye drops for longer period of time.
• Diabetic patients should be careful enough in the amount of medication that they take. They should strictly follow the advice of the doctor as improper medication will lead to cataract.
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