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Ocular Disease: Cataracts
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What are cataracts? |
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According to the American Optometric Association, cataracts are the leading
cause of vision loss in adults over the age of 55. A cataract is developed when
the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, resulting in loss of visual acuity.
The three most common types of cataracts are:
- Nuclear - the most common type of cataract, it is associated
with the natural aging process. The cataract develops in the center of the
lens. In some cases, a patient will
experience a temporary improvement in reading vision. As the cataract progresses,
however, this improvement in reading vision will cease.
- Cortical - the cataract extends from the center to the outer
surface of the lens
in a wedge-like shape causing problems with glare and contrast. This form is common
among diabetics. A cortical cataract develops slowly, but affects vision to such
a degree that surgery is often necessary early in its development.
- Subscapular - it most often occurs at the posterior surface
of the lens
and is rarely noticeable until well established, except in cases where it occurs
in the direct line of sight. It is often associated with diabetes, high degrees
of myopia,
as well as other conditions and certain medications.
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Symptoms |
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A patient with a cataract may notice decreased night vision, impaired
depth perception, increases distortion and
photophobia. One might experience difficulty with glare and the appearance
of "ghost" images.
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Risk Factors |
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The tendency to develop a cataract increases with age In fact, the lens
of the eye is one of the first parts of the human body to display the affects of
aging. Cataracts may affect an individual at any age, however. There may also be
a significant genetic component with respect to cataract development.
Other factors may include certain diseases such as diabetes, high degrees
of myopia,
UVA and UVB radiation from the sun,
and certain medications (steroids, diuretics, tranquilizers, etc.).
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Treatment |
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No treatment may be necessary in very mild cases where only minor blurriness
occurs and no significant prescription change is evident. A change in prescription
may be sufficient to improve vision in moderate cases until the cataract progresses
further.
The only way to truly remove the cataract is via surgical procedure.
Surgery involves the removal of the original affected lens and the insertion of
an intraocular lens implant. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology,
cataract surgery is one of the most frequently and most consistently successful
procedures in the United States. Greater than 90% of patients who have undergone
this procedure regain useful vision (between 20/40 and 20/20).
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Prevention |
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The exact cause for the changes that take place within the lens as we
age is not fully understood. There are a few tips to remember that may help decrease
your risk of developing a cataract earlier in life:
- Wear sunglasses
with 100% UVA & UVB
protection when working or playing outdoors
- Wear wide-brimmed hats
- Continued proper care of a diabetic condition
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