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Treatment for Cataracts

Posted on October 14, 2010 Written by admin

There is no cure all treatment for cataracts. Depending on your situation, the best course of action may vary. Cataracts can be a very serious problem. Although they may not be life threatening, they can hinder a person’s ability to function on a daily basis. An otherwise capable person may not be able to live independently due to vision loss from cataracts. Knowing your options can help you find the best treatment for cataracts so you can continue to live without vision loss.

Eye Glasses: A Temporary Fix

Early treatment for cataracts doesn’t have to be intrusive. Some patients opt to get their eye glass prescription updated. A change in eye glasses can help correct vision problems that develop as a result of cataracts. This works well, to a point of course. Eye glasses are not going to actually stop the problem, only help your eyes adjust so you can continue to see. Depending on how quickly cataracts develop, eye glasses may work for a while.

Is Surgery Too Extreme?

Surgery is a common treatment for cataracts that are impairing a person’s ability to function. In general, a doctor will not recommend surgery in mild cases. Some people are afraid to attempt this treatment option. Medicine has come a long way in recent decades, and cataract surgery is generally very easy and painless. It also done on an outpatient basis so you do not have to spend time in a hospital room.

Talk to Your Doctor

When choosing a treatment for cataracts, your doctor should be involved. They can advise you on the best approach based on your situation. Do not try to treat the problem on your own. Your doctor can help you make a good choice and regain eye sight.

3 Common Causes of Cataracts

Posted on October 14, 2010 Written by admin

Not all causes of cataracts are preventable, while others may be reversible. In order to determine your situation, it is important to learn what is at the root of the problem. You may not be able to change the condition, but you can adjust or even undergo procedures to regain eye sight.

Cause 1: Growing Older and Cataract Development

Age is one of the most commonly recognized causes of cataracts. As we get up in years, our bodies slow down and processes begin to fail. Just because you have developed a cataract doesn’t mean your eye sight is gone for the rest of your life. There are surgical procedures that are relatively painless and can restore all or much of your eye sight. This is generally reserved for severe cases, so talk to your doctor about what options are available to you.

Cause 2: Hereditary Causes

Family history can also help a person determine potential causes of cataracts. This condition can be passed down through a family. Even infants can develop a cataract. If you know your family’s history you can learn how to identify the symptoms early so treatment can begin right away. In some cases, early stages may only require a pair of glasses to correct vision until the cataract grows.

Cause 3: Cataracts and Health Status

Your health can help determine your risk for cataract development. Steroids are known causes of cataracts. If you are taking a steroid for another long term health condition, you may want to talk to your doctor about this potential problem. Other health problems, such as diabetes, can also cause cataracts to form.

Types of Cataracts

Posted on October 14, 2010 Written by admin

There are different types of cataracts that can bring with them different symptoms. Patients should understand which type they are suffering from in order to find the best way to treat the problem. Cataracts fall into three main categories, which are determined based on the location of the cataract. All three are found on the lens of the eye, but in different areas.

Subcapsular Cataracts

Among the types of cataracts, the subcapsular category can develop and mature the fastest. This type is located at the back of the eye’s natural lens. Health conditions and medications, such as diabetes and steroids, can often lead to subcapsular cataracts. Patients should talk to their physician about the risk and how to handle it.

Nuclear Cataracts

Considered one of the most frequently diagnosed types of cataracts, the nuclear cataract is found at the center of the lens. This variety can make it very difficult to see, especially when looking over long distances. Nuclear cataracts are often caused by the inevitable effects of aging. Patients with advanced cataract formation may be eligible for surgery to regain their eye sight.

Cortical Cataracts

Cortical cataracts form along the outside edge of the eye’s natural lens. Much like subcapsular, Cortical cataracts are frequently formed as a result of diabetes. Although it may sound like the least intrusive among the types of cataracts, cortical cataracts will eventually work their way inward to the center of the lens.

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.

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