Cataracts

Description

Cataracts occur when the clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurred or dimmed vision. They are common with aging, but can also result from eye injury, certain medicines, or other health conditions. People may notice colors look less bright, objects appear hazy, or they need more light to read or see details. Cataracts usually develop slowly and can affect one or both eyes, changing how you see things day to day. If you notice changes in your vision, talk with a qualified eye care professional for a proper evaluation and guidance on what to do next.

Common Symptoms

- Cloudy, blurred, or dim vision
- Colors appearing faded or less vibrant
- Increased glare or halos around lights, especially at night
- Difficulty seeing at night or in low-light conditions
- Need for brighter lighting when reading or performing tasks
- Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions
- Double vision in one eye (diplopia)
- If you notice these symptoms, please consult a qualified eye care professional for evaluation

Causes

Cataracts occur when the eye lens becomes cloudy, often related to aging but several factors can raise risk.
Common risk factors include older age, long-term sun/UV exposure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure.
Other contributors are a family history, previous eye injury or inflammation, and prolonged use of certain medicines such as corticosteroids.
Some cataracts are present at birth or develop in childhood due to infections during pregnancy or genetic factors; if you have concerns, consult a qualified eye care professional.

Treatment Options

- Protect eye health with regular eye exams, good lighting at home, sunglasses with UV protection, and avoiding smoking; manage other health conditions as advised.
- There are no medications proven to reverse or cure cataracts; meds may treat other eye conditions but not cataracts themselves.
- The common treatment is cataract surgery, where the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens.
- Most people experience clearer vision after recovery; the exact approach and recovery plan depend on the individual and surgeon.
- Always consult a qualified healthcare professional to discuss whether surgery is right for you and to understand risks and benefits.