Eyes on Cataracts

June is Cataract Awareness month. Cataracts are a common cause of vision loss and blindness worldwide. The goal of Cataract Awareness month is to educate the public on risk factors, symptoms, types of cataracts, and cataract surgery.

A severe cataract causes a cloudy or milky appearance in the pupil. Normally, the pupil looks black.

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye, which leads to a decrease in vision. The lens, located behind the iris and the pupil, helps to focus light or an image on the retina. In a healthy eye, the lens is clear, allowing light to pass through unobstructed. But when a cataract forms, the lens becomes cloudy, preventing light from being properly focused and making vision blurry or hazy.

Types of Cataracts

The lens is composed of layers, like an onion. The outer layer is the capsule. The middle layer is the cortex. The inner layer is the nucleus. Cataracts can develop at any layer of the lens. Cataracts are named for their location in the lens:

• Nuclear cataract: located at the center of the lens. Nuclear cataracts are typically age-related yellowing of the lens and slowly progressing.

• Cortical cataract: located in the middle layer of the lens. Cortical cataracts are spoke-like or wedge shaped opacities. Usually, the clouding is outside the pupil and may not impact vision as severely as other types of cataracts.

• Posterior capsular cataract: located on the back of the outer layer of the lens. Posterior capsular cataracts can develop rapidly and tend to impact vision the most severely.

  
  

What Causes Cataracts?

Cataracts typically develop slowly over time and are most often related to aging. The lens is made of mostly proteins and water. The clouding of the lens occurs due to changes in the proteins and lens fibers. Several factors can increase the risk of developing cataracts, including:

• Exposure to UV radiation: Prolonged sun exposure without eye protection may contribute to cataract formation.

• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can lead to lens damage over time.

• Smoking and alcohol use: Both have been linked to an increased risk of cataracts.

• Certain medications: Long-term use of corticosteroids can lead to cataracts.

• Eye injuries or surgery: Trauma or inflammation in the eye can cause secondary cataracts.

  
  

Symptoms of Cataracts

Cataracts often develop gradually and may not cause noticeable symptoms at first. As they progress, symptoms can include:

• Blurred or cloudy vision

• Difficulty seeing at night or in low light

• Sensitivity to light and glare

• Seeing halos around lights

• Faded or yellowed colors

• Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription

• Double vision in a single eye

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to schedule an eye exam.

Diagnosing Cataracts

Cataracts can be diagnosed during a routine eye examination. Your optometrist may perform:

• Visual acuity test: Measures how well you see at various distances.

• Slit-lamp examination: Allows the doctor to examine the structures at the front of the eye under magnification.

• Dilated exam: Using dilation, the doctor can examine the lens and check for signs of cataracts and other eye issues.

  
  

Treating Cataracts

In the early stages, cataracts may be managed with stronger lighting and updated prescription lenses. However, as they progress and begin to interfere with daily life, the most effective treatment is surgery.

Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most commonly performed surgeries worldwide. It involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Most people experience significant improvement in vision after the procedure, often within a few days.

Preventing Cataracts

While aging is inevitable, there are steps you can take to lower your risk of cataracts:

• Wear sunglasses that block UV rays.

• Eat a diet rich in antioxidants (fruits and vegetables).

• Manage health conditions like diabetes.

• Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

• Have regular eye exams to catch problems early.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Cataracts are a common, treatable cause of vision loss—especially among older adults. With early detection and proper care, most people with cataracts can maintain or even improve their vision through modern surgical techniques. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of cataracts, don't wait—schedule your comprehensive eye exam today!