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Find Everything You Need To Know On Cataracts

April 08, 2013

Cataracts are the clouding of the lens inside the eyes that eventually impairs vision. Recent studies suggest that one in every four person over the age of 65 have suffered from a cataract at one point of time or the other. It is one of the major causes of vision loss in the world. The cases of cataracts are higher than that of glaucoma or macular degenerations. In this article, you will learn everything you could possibly need to know on cataracts, from symptoms and risk factors to possible treatments, both invasive and non-invasive..

What is a cataract?

Generally, in normal eyes, a ray of light passes through the lenses before it reaches the retina, allowing you to view the image clearly. However, for people who have cataract, the lenses will be cloudy which will distort the rays. The distorted rays will prevent the light from being focused on the retina resulting in loss of vision. Very few people are aware of the fact that lenses in the eyes are primarily composed of proteins. Cataract is caused when the chemical formulation of the lenses changes. Over the years with age, you will notice the lenses will become thicker and more blurry.

Symptoms

Early detection is important to prevent the condition from exacerbating and causing long term damage. Some of the telltale signs that will point to possible cataracts include blurred vision, double night vision, need for extra light while ready, double vision, dim sight, etc. Cataract can develop in a single or both the eyes. Many people who suffer from cataracts feel their vision has deteriorated considerably over the years and their vision is similar to viewing the world through the murky windshield of a car.

Risk factors

Apart from biological ageing, several other factors contribute to the development of cataracts. Chain smokers have a higher chance of contracting a cataract than non-smokers. Ultraviolet radiation also increases the risk of a cataract. Other than that diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and prolonged intake of statin medications to curb cholesterol are key factors responsible for the rising toll of cataract cases.

Diagnosis

When confronted with any form of eye complaint, the first thing that you need to do is seek immediate assistance of a qualified doctor. The doctor will carefully examine your eye, through a series of in-depth diagnostic processes, to gauge the severity of the condition; the level of damage occurred will dictate the prognosis and treatments required.

Treatments

Cataract is progressive in nature; you may not notice any changes in your vision during the initial stages, but slowly as the condition develops, it will interfere with your daily activities. In minor cases, simply changing the eyeglass prescription can help in improving the vision. However, in severe cases, a cataract needs to be removed and new lenses have to be inserted in the eyes. Contrary to popular belief, cataract does not necessarily need to be ripped to be removed. A doctor will consistently monitor your vision on the regular basis to discern any changes in sight and will implement suitable measures accordingly.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7561274


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