Cataracts – Page 2

What are Cataracts?

Posted on October 14, 2010 Written by admin

Many people have heard the word but still wonder, “what are cataracts?”. This common health condition affects many individuals every year, and there are ways to prevent or stop the problem. In order to learn how to lower your chances of developing a cataract, you must first understand what they are. The loss of sight can severely hinder a person’s ability to function independently, which can make this health problem a very serious concern.

Cataract Basics

Behind your iris (or the colored area of your eye) is a natural lens. In a healthy eye, this lens is clear and helps focus the light that passes through your eye. The focused light is sent through the retina which makes the image visible. This process is altered when a cataract begins to form. The cataract develops on the lens, so from the start of the process your sight is affected. A cloudy blockage covering the lens will disperse light, which makes the image you see blurred.

The Development of Age Related Cataracts

What are cataracts that develop as a person ages? This is perhaps the most commonly thought of cause. As our age increases, our body changes as well. Over time, the lens of the eye will slowly begin to lose elasticity and become thicker. This can eventually make it harder to see through as portions begin to cloud over. The older we get, the worse this problem will become. Cataract development is not limited to one eye, either. A person can experience hindered vision in both eyes because of multiple cataracts.

Other Cataract Causes

Age is not the only factor that can cause cataracts. Even infants can develop congenial cataracts. Many other factors can influence a person’s eye health, including exposure to potentially dangerous substances such as lead, radiation, or ultraviolet light. Diabetes or prolonged steroid use can also cause a cataract.

What Causes Cataracts?

Posted on October 14, 2010 Written by admin

Many people want to know what causes cataracts. There are many different factors that can lead to a cataract. In a nutshell, cataracts are caused by the changing of lens tissue in the eye. In other cases, the problem could be hereditary. In order to determine what causes cataracts, family history, habits, age, and health must all be considered.

Age and Eye Sight

Age is often cited as one of the most common causes of cataracts. As we grow older, the eye tissue changes as well. This gradual process can begin as foggy or blurred vision and will become worse over time. There may not be much an individual can do to avoid age related cataracts, however many choose to undergo surgery to restore eye sight.

Health Conditions

If you want to know what causes cataracts, it is also important to look at other health conditions that might be present in the patient. Diabetes has been linked to the formation of cataracts. Individuals who have had an eye injury or surgery may also be susceptible to this common problem. Patients who are prescribed steroids for other health conditions may also be at a greater risk to develop cataracts. Family history can also indicate a hereditary risk.

Habits and the Environment

Habits and the environments we expose ourselves to can also lead to cataracts. In order to determine what causes cataracts in these situations, certain factors should be examined. Individuals that endure long term exposure to sunlight may be at risk due to the presence of ultraviolet light. Long term exposure to lead and radiation can also lead to cataracts. In some cases, these could be an occupational hazard which means that following safety practices is extremely important.

Understanding Congenital Cataracts

Posted on October 14, 2010 Written by admin

Congenital cataracts develop in babies and can be a point of concern for new, anxious parents. This medical condition means that the baby has developed a milky appearance in the lens of the eye. This can hinder sight and treatment depends on how the congenital cataracts develop and where they are positioned.

What Causes Congenital Cataracts?

There are a number of reasons an infant can develop congenital cataracts. The condition could be inherited, passed down through the family. Problems with metabolism or diabetes can also lead to congenital cataracts. Reactions to a medication or inflammation as well as infections are other common factors in congenital cataracts cases. Finally, trauma can bring about this risky condition. Each case is different and must be evaluated by a medical professional to determine the cause and best course of treatment for congenital cataracts.

Surgery for Congenital Cataracts

On treatment option for congenital cataracts is surgery. Many parents and doctors are reluctant to make a newborn baby undergo surgery unless it is absolutely necessary. There are many risks for a baby, from anesthesia to the actual procedure. Each case is evaluated to determine the best timing for congenital cataracts surgery. If the obstruction is centrally placed in the eye, surgery becomes more imperative and may be performed sooner. Clear vision is vital to normal development. When congenital cataracts become a problem for development, the baby must be treated much earlier.

Cataracts Symptoms

Posted on October 14, 2010 Written by admin

If you suspect that you are suffering from cataracts symptoms, then it may be time to contact your eye doctor. Cataracts can cause vision impairment and, if left untreated, eventually lead to total blindness. This problem will not get better on its own, and will eventually extend throughout the eye.

The Early Stages

Severe cataracts symptoms do not appear overnight. At first, the patient may notice a little blurring. This is often explained as looking through cloudy glass. Light will also seem more intense than it once did. Even the manmade light inside your home may begin to appear to be too bright. Many early cataracts symptoms sufferers also notice an additional glare from headlights when driving.

Later Stages of Cataracts Symptoms

Over time, cataracts symptoms will intensify. The patient will notice significant blurring and begin to lose vision all together. The eye will also appear physically changed, with a milky appearance as clarity is lost. Certain types of cataracts will progress differently. Patients experiencing a nuclear cataract may notice their vision temporarily improving. This improvement is often referred to as second sight. Eventually the improvement will revert as the cataract grows.

Anyone who suspects they may be developing a cataract should contact their eye doctor right away. Cataracts symptoms can become a hazard as vision is impaired. A treatment could help slow the development of cataracts while some patients prefer to undergo surgery which can repair the problem. Early diagnosis can help a patient come up with an ideal treatment and avoid the challenges that come with vision loss from cataracts symptoms.

Tags