Is
there someone in your family who has been recently diagnosed with
cataracts? Then all sorts of
questions like what are cataracts, what are cataracts’ causes, what
are cataracts treatments, what are cataracts risk factors and
preventions will probably be on your mind. Here are some answers to
your questions.
A
cataract is a condition caused by a cross-linking of proteins within
the crystalline structure of the lens of the eye that leads to a
clouding or yellowing of the natural lens inside of the eye. This
causes a decrease in vision and will eventually lead to complete
blindness if left untreated as light cannot reach the retina at the
back of the eye. There are several different
types of cataracts. The different types are defined by the part of
the lens that they affect. Nuclear cataracts and cortical cataracts
are the most common forms of this condition.
Symptoms
of bright eyes cataract include
blurry or dim vision, fading colors, poor night
vision, halos appearing around lights, and sensitivity to
bright lights.
Most cases of cataracts are age
related and developed gradually over time. In the mild to moderate
stages a cataract does not normally disturb routine, nor cause
discomfort or pain in the eye or alter the external appearance of the
eye apart from it looking cloudy.
Prolonged ultra-violet light exposure
and long-term use of medications such as steroids are known to cause
cataracts. The risk factors which accelerate cataracts include;
diabetes, glaucoma, smoking, high blood pressure and drinking.
If
left untreated, cataracts will eventually lead to blindness. In fact,
there are almost 18 million people who are bilaterally blind from
cataract i.e. cataracts cause almost 48% of the world’s blindness.
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