Cataracts

What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a condition when the lens in the eye is clouded, resulting in blurry vision or loss of vision. The clouding is caused by changes to the lens in the eye which prevent transmission of light. You may not notice the cataracts at first but as it develops, the clouding becomes denser and blocks the light that passes through the lens. Your vision will become cloudy and blurred as a result. Over time, cataracts may lead to vision loss.

Cataracts are usually linked with aging and can develop slowly in one or both eyes due to natural changes to the eyes as you age. Other medical diseases, such as diabetes and injury to the eyes may also cause cataracts to form.

What are the symptoms of a Cataract?

You may not experience symptoms at first but as your cataracts worsen, cataracts can cause changes to your vision. You may notice the following symptoms:

• Cloudy, blurry or dim vision
• Double vision in a single eye
• Increasing difficulty with vision at night
• Seeing halos around lights
• Sensitivity to light and glare

Do consult your eye doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms as they may also be signs of other eye problems.

What are the causes and risk factors of Cataracts?

Most cataracts happen due to natural changes in your eyes as you get older. As you age, the proteins in the lens of your eyes start to break down and clump together. This clump results in a cloudy area on your lens known as a cataract.

Age is a big risk factor for cataracts. Other risk factors include:

• Pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes or obesity
• Smoking
• Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol
• Spending a lot of time in the sun
• Previous eye injury or eye surgery

How do you prevent Cataracts?

There is no surefire way to prevent cataracts, although you can lower your risk of developing it. Here are some ways you can prevent cataracts:

• Protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays: UV light from the sun has been linked to cataract formation. Consider wearing sunglasses, or eyeglasses with a UV-blocking coating, whenever you need to go out under the sun.
• Quit smoking: Smoking may increase the number of free radicals in your eyes which destroyes lipids and proteins. This causes deposits and clump and form in the eye's lens, resulting in cataracts. 
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption: Alcohol consumption may slightly increase your risk of cataracts.
• Eat a healthy diet: Your diet affects your eye health too, with a healthy diet providing the necessary vitamins and minerals your body needs to function. Consider adding food high in vitamin C and E, and antioxidants into your diet to promote overall eye health.
• Manage other chronic conditions: Other chronic conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, may predispose you to cataracts later in life.

How is a Cataract diagnosed?

Visual Acuity Tests
An eye chart measures how well a series of letters can be read, to determine if your vision is 20/20 or if there are signs of impairment.

Slit Lamp Tests
A slit lamp allows your doctor to closely examine the structures at the front of the eye — including the cornea, iris, and lens — to detect any clouding or abnormalities.

Retinal examination
Your doctor may dilate your pupils with eyedrops to examine the retina and optic nerve. While cataracts may obstruct a clear view, this exam helps rule out other causes of vision problems.