ABSTRACT – Cataracts is an unclear vision due to the clouding of the lens in the eye. Types: Nuclear...
Cataracts
Cataracts are 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.
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