Cataracts

What is a cataract?

 

Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss in the world. Cataracts are a medical condition in which the lens of the eye becomes opaque over time, resulting in blurred vision.

 

There are three types of cataracts:

 

  • Subcapsular Cataracts: Most common for people with diabetes or those who take high doses of steroidmedications where vision loss forms at the back of the lens.
  • Nuclear Cataracts: Typically associated with aging where cataracts form from the deep central zone of the lens.
  • Cortical Cataracts: This type of cataract occurs in wedge-like opacities that start in the periphery of the lens and works its way to the center of the cortex.

Frequent symptoms:

 

  • Blurred vision
  • Lights may seem brighter than they actually are
  • Colors might not seem as vibrant as they used to
  • Temporary improvement of near vision

Possible causes of cataracts:

 

  • Aging
  • Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight and other sources
  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications
  • Statin medicines used to reduce cholesterol

How to treat them:

 

When symptoms first appear, new glasses, appropriate lighting, other visual aids and a nutritionally balanced diet may ease the symptoms. Eye care tips however, cataract surgery is the most successful way to restore your vision. Schedule an appointment for a consultation to see if surgery is right for you.

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Cataracts | Pearle Vision