Cataracts are currently causing more vision problems compared to other conditions. The number is increasing with the aging population, and the projection for these conditions is also high.
When the eye lens becomes foggy, people develop a cataract. This will cause part of the eye lens to be cloudy. Light will not pass through a cloudy or foggy eye easily, which brings the blurry vision. Meaning someone with a cloudier lens will experience more difficulty in vision, which is synonymous with the effects of cataracts.
Causes and Symptoms of Cataracts
Everyone is prone to cataract infection, with the major difference in probability relying largely on individual conditions. But more often than not, people start developing cataracts from around the age of 40. However, many people never notice any of these symptoms until they are 60 years of age and beyond. In the least of situations, babies with child defects will have this condition.
Someone’s lifestyle will also determine or influence their chances of getting a cataract. For instance, individuals who smoke cigarettes, live in areas with bad air pollution, use alcohol heavily will have high chances of developing this disease. It gets worse for those aged between 50and 80 because they are more vulnerable to the situation.
Also, some things can speed the formation of cataracts to just anyone. Cases of diabetes, steroids, and radiation treatment are some of the most common. Individuals who have undergone eye surgery in the past are also vulnerable to cataracts. Scientists also believe that spending too much time in the sun without eye protection can bring this.
When it comes to the symptoms, victims of this condition never know they are affected until very late. As with most diseases, the signs develop with time and take years to develop. Usually, they appear at old age when the lens begins to be cloudy. Generally, the symptoms vary from person to person. But in most cases, they include blurry, cloudy visions, worsening vision when lights are dim and when there is a bright light.
Additional symptoms will make the victim see small patches that blur parts of the field vision. Also, the patient may find his or her vision affected by small spots or dots. Over time, serious cataracts will mean an individual finding it challenging to read, and worse, the glasses may be less effective.
Types of Cataracts
Doctors classify cataracts differently. While some may be less common, the general rule is for anyone who experiences the condition to see cataracts Austin doctor. Nuclear cataracts are the most common, and they form at the center of the eye’s lens. On the other hand, cortical cataracts may appear as spoke-like opacities evident at the lenses near the edge. Posterior subcapsular cataracts develop at the back surface of the lens and develop quickly compared to the rest.
Getting Treatment
At the very least of suspicion, anyone with these symptoms should see a doctor. Before the treatment, the doctor will have to assess the condition to suggest the correct treatment plan. Slit-lamp exams, retinal exams, and refraction are the universal methods of diagnosing cataracts. It is wise to note that a victim will not require treatment immediately after examination. But the doctor will recommend what is best for every situation, with a worsening state demanding surgery.
Mild cataract symptoms will require new glasses but should the condition worsen; the doctors will recommend surgery to remove it. Ideally, surgery is the only treatment method for cataracts. Thanks to specialists like an ophthalmologist who makes this possible. The choices of cataracts Austin specialists are vast, but as it will please an individual, choosing from the long list is a personal endeavor.
In cataract surgery, the doctor removes the clouded lens and replaces it with another, usually an artificial lens implant. What makes the implants unique is that they are clear and shaped to fit the victim’s eyes and vision. The process takes about an hour and varies from cases to issues.
Bottom Line
Apart from surgery, preventive measures against cataracts will come a long way to help people. One of the best ways to slow down cataracts’ development is protecting the eyes from sunlight or talking with a cataract Austin doctor for further direction and guidance.
