Generality/Definition
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A cataract is a cloudy or opaque region of the normally transparent lens in the eye. The most common clouding of the lens occurs in the nucleus. Typically this nuclear cataract is found in older people. The lens gradually grows cloudy as the person ages. When the opaque area increases, it prevents light rays from passing through the lens to focus on the retina, the light sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Babies born with cataracts have what is called congenital cataracts. They occur most often when the mom has some sort of infection, like rubella, or sometimes other family members also have cataracts and the baby gets them because of a genetic link. Cataracts may be caused by aging, eye injuries, exposure to harmful sunrays or chemicals, being hit in the eye, and a poor diet.
Source: Cataracts (uniteforsight.org)
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Epidemiology
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According to the latest assessment, age related cataract is responsible for 48% of world blindness, which represents about 18 million people. Although cataracts can be surgically removed, in many countries surgical services are inadequate, and cataract remains the leading cause of blindness. As people in the world live longer, the number of people with cataract is growing. Cataract is also an important cause of low vision in both developed and developing countries. Even where surgical services are available, low vision associated with cataract may still be prevalent, as a result of the long period spent waiting for operations and barriers to surgical uptake, such as cost, lack of information, and transportation problems.
Source: WHO | VISION 2020 priority eye diseases (v2020.org)
Prevention
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Comprehensive prevention of cataract development is not known yet. Reduction of cigarette smoking, ultraviolet light exposure, and alcohol consumption may prevent or rather delay the development of cataract. Diabetes mellitus, hypertension and high body mass index are identified as additional risk factors.
Source: WHO | VISION 2020 priority eye diseases (v2020.org)
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Wearing sunglasses and a hat with a brim to block ultraviolet sunlight may help to delay cataract. If you smoke, stop. Researchers also believe good nutrition can help reduce the risk of age-related cataract. They recommend eating green leafy vegetables, fruit, and other foods with antioxidants.
Source: Cataract: What you should know (nei.nih.gov)
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Symptoms
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The most common symptoms of a cataract are: Cloudy or blurry vision. Colors seem faded. Glare. Headlights, lamps, or sunlight may appear too bright. A halo may appear around lights. Poor night vision. Double vision or multiple images in one eye. (This symptom may clear as the cataract gets larger.) Frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Source: Cataract: What you should know (nei.nih.gov)
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Treatment
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Contrary to what is commonly believed, cataracts are not removed by lasers. By using the latest techniques and most modern, high-tech equipment, we can perform the entire surgery through the smallest possible incision, providing greater safety, faster recovery and minimal post-operative restrictions. The small incision, often less than one-eighth of an inch, is made in the sclera (the white part of the eye) or cornea (the clear front layer of the eye). This incision is specially constructed to self-seal when the operation is completed. Next, we open the lens capsule, a clear membrane like a cellophane wrapper which surrounds the cataract-clouded lens. Once the lens capsule is opened, the entire cataract inside is removed. We use a special ultrasonic surgical instrument called a Phacoemulsifier to do this. This instrument vibrates more than 40,000 times each second, separating the cataract so, with gentle suction, it can be easily removed from the eye through the small incision.
Source: Cataracts (eyecenters.com)
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