What Are Cataracts?
Host Voiceover (with animations of the eye): Cataracts are any opacity of the lens in your eye. When this window becomes cloudy, your vision gets blurry.
There are three main types of cataracts:
1. Nuclear Sclerosis – The most common type, associated with aging.
2. Cortical Cataracts – These appear as white, wedge-like opacities starting in the lens’ periphery.
3. Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts – These form at the back of the lens, often causing issues with reading and bright light.
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What Causes Cataracts?
Acquired Cataracts:
• Age-Related Cataracts: These account for over 90% of all cases. Aging naturally leads to lens changes.
• Systemic Diseases: Conditions like diabetes mellitus, metabolic disorders (e.g., Wilson’s disease or galactosemia), and hypocalcemia can trigger cataracts.
• Trauma: Eye injuries may lead to cataracts that sometimes have a distinctive rosette shape.
• Inflammation: Conditions like uveitis can also play a role.
• Toxins and Medications: Long-term use of steroids or phenothiazines can increase the risk.
• Radiation Exposure: This is another potential cause.
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How Do Cataracts Affect Vision?
• Glare and dimness, especially at night.
• Halos around lights.
• Monocular diplopia, or double vision in one eye.
Diagnosis of Cataracts
Diagnosing cataracts is straightforward. An eye doctor will use a slit-lamp exam to inspect the lens and check the red reflex with an ophthalmoscope.
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Treatment Options
Host Voiceover (with treatment visuals): Treatment depends on how much the cataract affects daily life.
Medical Management: For mild cases, glasses or contact lenses may temporarily correct refractive errors. However, there’s no strong evidence that vitamins or supplements can prevent or reverse cataracts.
Surgical Management: Surgery is the definitive treatment.
Surgery is recommended when:
• Vision loss causes functional impairment.
• The cataract interferes with managing other eye conditions.
• It’s a congenital or traumatic cataract.
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Post-Operative Care and Complications
While cataract surgery is highly successful, complications can occur, such as:
• Retinal detachment.
• Endophthalmitis (an infection inside the eye).
• Dislocated intraocular lens.
• Macular edema or glaucoma.
Fortunately, with advanced foldable IOLs, less than 10% of patients experience posterior capsular opacification. This can be quickly treated with a YAG laser.
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Prognosis
The good news? Cataract surgery has an excellent success rate, especially if there are no other underlying eye diseases.
Preventing or slowing the progression of cataracts
1. Protect Your Eyes From UV Rays
• Wear Sunglasses: Use sunglasses with 100% UV protection to shield your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays.
• Wide-Brimmed Hats: Wearing a hat in addition to sunglasses offers extra protection from direct sunlight.
2. Maintain a Healthy Diet
• Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Include fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants like vitamins C and E, lutein, and zeaxanthin (e.g., spinach, kale, oranges, and nuts).
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fish like salmon, these may support eye health.
• Hydration: Keep your body hydrated to maintain overall health, including your eyes.
3. Manage Underlying Health Conditions
• Control Diabetes: Properly managing blood sugar levels can significantly reduce the risk of cataracts.
• Regular Eye Checkups: Ensure timely diagnosis and management of conditions like uveitis or glaucoma that can contribute to cataracts.
4. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol
• Quit Smoking: Smoking increases oxidative stress, which can lead to cataracts. Seek support if necessary to quit.
• Moderate Alcohol Intake: Limit alcohol consumption to reduce its impact on your eye health.
5. Minimize Eye Strain and Fatigue
• Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away.
• Proper Lighting: Use adequate lighting while reading or working.
6. Protect Your Eyes From Injury and Irritants
• Safety Eyewear: Wear protective goggles during activities like sports or working with chemicals.
• Avoid Overuse of Eye Drops: Use only prescribed eye medications and avoid unnecessary over-the-counter drops.
7. Regular Eye Exams
• Visit an eye doctor at least once a year, especially if you’re over 40. Early detection of cataracts or other eye issues can help slow progression.
8. Reduce Screen Time
Excessive screen use can strain your eyes. Take regular breaks and use blue-light-blocking glasses if needed.
9. Avoid Long-Term Use of Steroids
• Use corticosteroids only as prescribed by a doctor, as long-term use can increase cataract risk.
10. Stay Physically Active
Regular exercise promotes overall health, including better circulation and eye health.
