Are you finding it increasingly difficult to see clearly? Does your vision seem hazy or clouded? If so, you might be experiencing the symptoms of a cataract, a condition impacting the vision of over 25 million Americans. Cataracts are primarily related to aging, but they can also affect younger adults in some cases.
As per studies, it is predicted that by 2032, around 38.5 million people will be diagnosed with cataracts, and by 2050, this number will rise to 45.6 million. This eye disorder makes the lens of the eye opaque, leading to impaired vision.
Gradually, a yellowish-brown tint forms around your lens, diminishing the clarity of your vision. This can make it challenging to identify colors, read, or carry out daily activities effectively. In this article, we aim to help you understand what a cataract is, the factors that cause cataracts, and how to prevent them from worsening.
Understanding Cataracts:
Cataracts are cloudy patches in the eye’s lens that blur your vision. This is often a natural part of aging. As it impacts our sight, it becomes an obstruction in our daily activities such as reading or driving. However, if you keep an eye out for the symptoms of cataracts, it’s possible to slow their growth. Common symptoms include difficulty seeing clearly at night, hazy vision, changes in your eye’s prescription, difficulty identifying colors, and experiencing double vision.
Causes of Cataracts:
Cataracts can be triggered by a variety of factors. Generally, as we age, proteins build up in the lens of the eye, causing cataracts. Other factors can also contribute to the development of cataracts:
1. Age: Cataracts are most common in people over 50.
2. Genetic Disorder: If a family member has had cataracts, you may be at a higher risk.
3. Health Condition: Diabetic individuals are more likely to develop cataracts.
4. Medications: Certain medications may increase the likelihood of cataracts.
5. Lifestyle: Habitual smoking, alcohol consumption, or excessive exposure to the sun without sunglasses can lead to cataracts.
Preventing Cataracts from Worsening:
While cataracts cannot be treated or cured with diet or exercise, certain precautions and lifestyle changes can help prevent them from worsening.
1. Protect your eyes from the sun: Sun’s harmful UV rays can damage our eyes and increase the risk of cataracts. Always wear sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays, even on overcast days.
2. Manage Blood Sugar Levels: High blood sugar can cause your eye lens to swell. Diabetic individuals are more likely to develop cataracts, so it is important to monitor your blood sugar levels.
3. Avoid Prolonged Use of Steroid Eye Drops: Long-term use of steroid eye drops can speed up cataract formation. Regular eye check-ups are advisable if you are using such eye drops.
4. Be Aware of Medicinal Side Effects: Some commonly prescribed medicines can accelerate cataract formation. Consult your doctor about potential side effects of any regular medications.
5. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: A balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle can reduce your chances of developing a cataract.
Regular Eye Exams and Cataract Surgery:
Regular eye exams are crucial, even if your vision seems fine. Doctors can diagnose any issues early and provide appropriate treatment before the condition worsens.
If a cataract has significantly impacted your vision and is hindering your daily activities, you might want to consider cataract surgery. This procedure involves replacing the natural cloudy lens in your eye with an artificial one. After careful examination, your eye doctor can advise you on the best corrective lens options.
For those requiring cataract surgery, we at Shankar Netrika Eye Centre provide expert medical assistance using the latest technology. The routine procedure involves removing the cloudy lens inside your eye and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) to restore your focusing power. Phacoemulsification, a suture-free incision technique, is preferred for a speedy recovery.
Most patients who undergo cataract surgery experience successful vision restoration. Your doctor will decide the best technique for you based on your vision needs and a thorough check-up. Visit our website https://shankarnetrika.com/ or call us at 9920044620 for more information.
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