This blog post will explore the causes of a cataract. A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens in the eye. The most common cause is ageing which makes this condition unavoidable for most. Your lens is made up of water and protein, and as you age, some of the protein may clump together and start to cloud a small area. As the cataract grows, it may cloud more of the lens and make it harder to see.
Other causes of cataracts include:
• Inherited genetic disorders
• Long-term use of steroid medications
• Exposure to UV radiation from the sun
• Diabetes
• Trauma to the eye
• Some medical conditions, such as myotonic dystrophy
• Types of radiation and toxins.
Now that the causes of a cataract have been outlined, we will now look at the symptoms:
- Blurred vision: Objects may appear hazy or less clear than they used to.
- Double vision in one eye: This occurs when the cataract is located in just one eye.
- Glare: Lights may appear too bright, and it may be difficult to see in bright sunlight.
- Fading or yellowing of colors: The cataract may make colors appear less vibrant.
- Difficulty seeing at night: Cataracts can make it harder to see in low-light conditions.
- Frequently changing glasses or contact lens prescription: This may happen as the cataract progresses.
- Halos around lights: This can occur when the cataract is advanced.
Cataracts develop gradually, and the symptoms may not be noticed at first. It’s important to see an optometrist regularly for an eye exam, so cataracts can be detected early and treated before they cause significant vision loss.
The good news is that any vision loss suffered from a cataract is reversible in the majority of cases.
