Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Cataracts

What is a Cataract?

The lens of the eyes plays an important role in helping us see images sharply. By bending light rays and adjusting the eye's focal distance, we are able to see objects clearly, whether near us or from afar. As we age, proteins inside the lens may form a clump, resulting in the opacity of the lens. This condition is called a cataract. Of the roughly 45 million cases of blindness, 51 percent is due to age-related cataract, making cataract the leading cause of blindness all over the world.

(Image from National Eye Institute)

Cataract Causes and Risk Factors

Age

Most cases of cataract are age-related. Over time, the lens has been exposed to UV light, toxins and other environmental factors. Certain health conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension, which are common in adults and older adults, can accelerate the degradation of the crystalline lens.
With age, discolouration of lens to a shade of yellow or brown is common. Although this does not affect the sharpness of the images you see, it may be difficult to identify colours such as blue or purple.
Ultraviolet Radiation

Exposure of the eyes to UV light can hasten the denaturing of the proteins in the lens and cause damage to the eyes. Wearing protective eye wear is one way to slow down the development of cataract. Recent experiments and studies also show that, apart from sunlight, microwaves, X-rays and gamma rays may also cause certain types of cataract.
Eye Injuries

Depending on the severity, eye injuries can cause the development of cataract. For instance, if there is damage or an opening in the capsule where the lens is located, water can enter the lens and cause obstruction to one's vision.
Genetics

A person can have a cataract due to genetics – such as those who have chromosome abnormalities and single-gene disorders. Several types of these conditions can affect the mechanisms that help protect and maintain the lens, leading to the development of a cataract during childhood years.
Medication or Drug Use

Certain types of medications, as well as smoking, have been found to cause or increase the risk of the development of cataract. In particular, taking triparanol and miotics may lead to higher risks of cataract formation later on.
Congenital conditions

Congenital diseases, such as rubella and congenital syphilis, may also cause the development of cataracts, either during childhood, or as a result of underdevelopment prior to an infant's birth. Congenital cataracts don't always affect vision, and it is usually removed after the patient's birth.

People with health conditions, such as hypothyroidism, hypocalcaemia, leprosy and uveitis, may also have an increased risk of cataract development.

Eye Cataract Symptoms

The symptoms of a cataract may vary depending on the type of cataract a person has. But generally, symptoms include:

• Blurry vision
• Colours do not appear as sharp
• Glare of headlights or sunlight hurt your eyes easily and halos may appear around them
• When closing one eye, you see double vision or multiple images with the open eye
• Unable to clearly see in a brightly-lit room
• You have a frequent need of changing your eyeglasses

Cataract Surgery

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms, visit your eye care provider immediately. An eye examination will be performed as part of the diagnosis. Cataract surgery is the best option for cataract removal, although, it may not be an option for you if you have other eye diseases.

During the cataract surgery, the eye's crystalline lens will be removed and replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL), an artificial lens. The procedure usually takes less than an hour and you may be allowed to go home on the same day of the surgery. You will not feel the newly inserted lens, as it will become part of your eye. 90% of the patients who had undergone cataract surgery have improved vision.