by Paula Compasono-Robinson
An Inside Look at Cataracts
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, cataracts are the leading cause of visual loss in Americans over 65 and older. Nearly half of adults by age 80 will develop cataracts; otherwise known as clouding of the lens.
A normal lens is clear, which allows light to pass through easily. However, a cataract prevents this light from reaching the lens of the eye and the retina, which is the same part of the eye structure responsible for focusing light, and enabling you to see sharp and clear images. This causes a loss of eyesight, so the more severe the clouding the greater the loss of vision.
What Causes Cataracts?
Cataracts often form slowly without any symptoms. Sometimes the cataract stays small and doesn’t change the vision much. Other cataracts may become large and thick and can hinder vision greatly, even to the point of blindness.
Over time the cataract cortex liquefies to form a milky white fluid known as a Morgagnian Cataract, and can cause severe inflammation if the lens capsule ruptures and leaks. Untreated, the cataract can cause phacomorphic glaucoma.
Cataracts can result from a variety of reasons, including long-term ultraviolet exposure, exposure to radiation, the side effects of diseases such as diabetes, and advanced age. Genetic factors are often a cause of congenital cataracts and positive family history may cause someone to be predisposed to cataracts at an earlier age. Cataracts may also be produced by eye injury or physical trauma.
How Do You Treat Cataracts?
It is possible to have cataracts for years without needed treatment. It is important for your eye care professional to watch for any changes in the cataract over time to see if surgery is needed.
Surgery is the most common treatment for cataracts. It is considered very safe and according to the National Institute of Health, one of the most common surgeries performed in the United States.
Extra-capsular (ECCE) surgery consists of removing the lens but leaving the majority of the lens capsule intact. High frequency sound waves (phacoemulsification) are sometimes used to break up the lens before extraction.
Complications after cataract surgery can include endophthalmitis, posterior capsular opacification and rarely retinal detachment.
Can Cataract Be Prevented?
While there is no proven prevention of cataracts, it is widely believed wearing UV blocking sunglasses outdoors is helpful. Also, many people believe that regular intake of antioxidants such as vitamin C and E can be helpful although it is unproven in large, random double blind tests.
While these measures can’t be scientifically proven at this point, it makes sense to err on the side of caution and put on those Ray-Bans when you venture outside and make sure to take your vitamins daily.
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