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What is a Cataract?
Posted by: Florida Eye Microsurgical Institute in Eye Health
What is a Cataract? A cataract is a dense, cloudy area that forms in the eye’s lens. A cataract begins when proteins in the eye form clumps that prevent the lens from sending clear images to the retina. The retina converts the light that comes through the lens into signals. It sends the signals to the optic nerve, which carries them to the brain. A cataract develops slowly and eventually interferes with your vision. You might have cataracts in both eyes, but they usually don’t form simultaneously.
What Causes Cataracts?
Did you know that cataracts, a condition that affects over 20 million adults aged 40 and above in the United States alone, are one of the most common eye conditions? It is estimated that half of all seniors aged 80 and above are affected by this condition. The primary cause of cataracts is the natural aging process, which leads to changes in the eye. This process typically starts around the age of 40 when normal proteins in the lens begin to break down, causing the lens to become cloudy. By the time people reach the age of 60, they may start to experience some clouding of their lenses.
Other reasons you may get cataracts include the following:
- Genetics can also play a significant role in the development of cataracts. If you have parents, brothers, sisters, or other family members with cataracts, it’s important to be aware of this risk factor. Understanding your family history can help you and your healthcare provider take proactive steps to monitor and manage your eye health.
- Medical issues, such as diabetes
- Smoking
- Having had an eye injury, eye surgery, or radiation treatments on your upper body
- Spending a lot of time in the sun, especially without sunglasses that protect your eyes from damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays.
- Certain medications, such as corticosteroids, may cause the early formation of cataracts.
Most age-related cataracts develop gradually, while other cataracts can develop more quickly in those with diabetes.
Cataract Symptoms
Listed below are some vision changes you may notice if you have a cataract:
- Having blurry vision
- Seeing double (when you see two images instead of one)
- Being extra sensitive to light
- Have trouble seeing well at night or need more light when you read
Is There A Way To Slow Down the Development Of Cataracts?
Protecting your eyes from sunlight is the best way to slow the development of cataracts. Always wear sunglasses that screen out the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light rays. You may also wear regular eyeglasses that have a clear, anti-UV coating. Remember, prevention is better than cure. Talk with your eye doctor to learn about your options.
Experiencing Cataract Symptoms?
If you have noticed any changes or abnormalities in your vision, such as blurred or double vision, or seeing bright colors as faded yellow, it is highly recommended that you schedule an eye examination. Regular eye examinations are crucial for maintaining good eye health, especially in today’s era of advanced medical technology. Please feel free to call or text us today to schedule an appointment!
