Cataracts: Causes and Symptoms
The term cataract means the clouding of our natural lens. In our eyes behind our iris and the pupil lays a lens. Our lens functions similar to a camera’s lens. It adjusts our focus, allowing us to see things more clearly.
Our lens are made up of water and protein. The protein acts sort of like a cleaner does. It arranges itself in a way that helps keep the lens clear and allows light to pass through it. But sometimes this protein begins to form in clusters and this is what is called a cataract. The cluster begins to grow and in time makes the lens cloudy which makes it harder for us to see. (Picture a pair of glasses being smog up, this is a similar effect).
What causes these clusters to form? Age is a big factor. But not only older people can have cataracts. Some other factors is heredity and UV rays from the sun. The UV Rays can cause cataracts to grow and eye care specialists suggest we wear sunglasses and brimmed hats to help keep the sun out of our eyes. Also some medicines such as steroids, diuretics and some tranquilizers seems to help cataracts to grow. Some researchers also believe you have a higher risk of developing cataracts if you have diabetes.
Some eye care professionals believe that if you eat more foods enriched in Vitamins A, C and E, you can help keep cataracts from growing as rapidly. They also recommend that you reduce your salt intake.
Are there signs and symptoms of cataracts? Yes. But when you first start developing them the signs are so small that you may not notice. As they begin to grow, you will slowly begin to notice changes in your vision. Things will start to look blurry and cloudy. The light from the sun and lamps will seem brighter and there will be more of a glare. When you are driving at night, headlights from other cars will glare more.
If you suspect you may have a cataract or are having vision problems, you must see your eye doctor. He/she will tell you what they find. If it is cataracts, they may suggest surgery or they may tell you to wait until they hinder your vision more.
Luckily, cataract surgery is easier than ever to perform. It is done on an out patient basis and most eye specialists have the equipment to do the surgery in their offices. You do have to use eye drops before and after the surgery.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for cataracts and the only way they can be removed is by surgery. But it is considered a rather simple procedure. Afterwards, your eye area may be slightly bruised and the eye itself will look red for a week or so. The good news is that a lot of patients begin to see better within a week.
If you think you may have cataracts, talk to your eye specialist. Then don’t get to upset. Cataracts can be removed and then you see the world in all of its beautiful colors, once more.
