CATARACTS
07 Jun 2019
ABSTRACT –
Cataracts is an unclear vision due to the clouding of the lens in the eye.
Types:
- Nuclear Cataracts
- Cortical Cataracts
- Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts
- Congenital Cataracts
CAUSES –
- Age
- Trauma due to injury
- Radiation
- Smoking and alcohol
- Medications like steroids
- Post eye surgery
- Genetics
- Dermatological conditions like atopic dermatitis, eczema etc.
- Inadequate Vitamin C
- Other Medical conditions like Diabetes, Hypothyroidism etc.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS –
- Cloudy, blurred or dim vision
- Reduced vision
- Sensitivity to light and glare
- Frequent changes of glasses and contact lens
- Seeing colored halos due to hydration of lens
- Increasing difficulty with vision at night
- Need brighter light for reading and doing other activities
- Yellowing or fading of colors in vision
- Double vision
DIAGNOSIS –
Dilation of pupils is the first step of examination of eye followed by eye checkup. The test to detect cataract are:
- Retinal exam
- Slit Lamp exam
- Refraction and visual acuity test
TREATMENT –
Types of surgeries which are used to remove cataract:
- Phacoemulsification
- Extra Capsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE)
- Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS)
- Intra Capsular Cataract Extraction (ICCE)
RISK FACTORS –
- Age
- Obesity
- Smoking and excessive drinking
- Diabetes
- Excess exposure to sunlight
- Prolonged use of corticosteroids
- High blood pressure
- Eye injury or inflammation
- Previous eye surgery
PREVENTION –
There are no studies that prove that the cataract can be prevented or slowed down, but several ways have been helpful:
- Regular eye examination
- Quitting smoking
- Reducing alcohol consumption
- Following a healthy lifestyle
- Using sunglasses under sunlight
EPIDEMIOLOGY –
- Around 20 million people globally go blind due to cataract.
- 5 – 20% of world childhood blindness has been estimated.