What is Cataract?
Cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which lies behind the iris and pupil. This causes one's vision to be blurry.
3 types of cataract :
- A subcapsular cataract occurs at the back of the lens. People with diabetes or those taking high doses of steroid medications have a greater risk of developing a subcapsular cataract.
- A nuclear cataract forms deep in the central zone (nucleus) of the lens. Nuclear cataracts usually are associated with aging.
- A cortical cataract is characterized by white, wedge-like opacities that start in the periphery of the lens and work their way to the center in a spoke-like fashion. This type of cataract occurs in the lens cortex, which is the part of the lens that surrounds the central nucleus
Signs and Symptoms
- Vision that is cloudy, blurry, foggy, or filmy
- Progressive nearsightedness in older people often called "second sight" because although their distance vision is getting worse, they may no longer need reading glasses
- Changes in the way you see color
- Problems driving at night such as glare from oncoming headlights
- Problems with glare during the day
- Double vision
- Sudden changes in your glasses prescription
Causes and Risk Factors
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How is cataract diagnosed?
You will get an eye exam to test how well you can see (remember to bring your glasses or wear your contacts to the appointment). Your doctor will also dilate your pupil to examine the lens and other parts of the eye.
Treatment
- Surgery-The surgeon removes your lens and replaces it with a clear artificial one.
- Pairing new glasses