A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. Think of it like looking through a foggy or dusty window — everything appears blurry, dull, or hazy. Cataracts develop slowly and are a natural part of aging, though other factors like diabetes, prolonged UV exposure, smoking, and eye injury can accelerate their development.
What Causes Cataracts?
The eye lens is made mostly of water and protein. As we age, some of these proteins may clump together and start to cloud a small area of the lens. Over time, the cloudiness worsens, affecting your ability to see clearly. Besides aging, other risk factors include:
- Family history of cataracts
- Previous eye surgeries or trauma
- Long-term use of corticosteroid medications
- Exposure to radiation or UV rays
Symptoms to Watch Out For
Cataracts typically don’t cause pain or discomfort but progressively interfere with vision. Common signs include:
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Increased sensitivity to light or glare
- Difficulty seeing at night or in low light
- Faded colors or yellowish tint to vision
- Frequent changes in glasses prescription
- Seeing halos around lights
It’s important to note that cataracts develop in one or both eyes, but they don’t spread from one eye to the other.
When Should You See a Doctor?
You should consult an eye specialist if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above or if vision changes are interfering with daily activities like reading, driving, or recognizing faces. Early diagnosis is crucial for timely management and treatment planning.
Routine eye exams are essential, especially for individuals over 50, even if no symptoms are present. Cataract progression can be monitored and surgery planned when necessary.
Remember: Cataracts are not reversible through medication or glasses — surgery is the only effective treatment. The good news is that cataract surgery is safe, quick, and can restore excellent vision when done at the right time.