A cataract is a clouding of the innate lens found in the eye and is located behind the pupil and the iris.
The disorder is the most popular cause of vision loss in individuals above forty years and is regarded as the principal cause of blindness globally. In fact, studies have shown that there are more cataracts globally than there are diabetic retinopathies, macular degeneration, and glaucoma cases combined.
The disorder comes in the following forms:
1. Subcapsular eye disorder - it takes place at the back of the lens. Individuals with diabetes or those consuming high doses of steroid medications have a higher risk of developing subcapsular disorders.
2. Nuclear eye disorder - it forms deep in the nucleus (central zone) of the eye lens. A nuclear disorder is commonly associated with aging.
3. Cortical eye disorder - type of eye disorder characterized by white and wedge-like opacities that begin at the lens periphery and work their way to the center using a spoke-like fashion. It occurs in the lens cortex.
Symptoms & Signs
They often start out small and will initially have very little effect on your vision. However, you may notice that your vision has become a little blurred.
When you have this condition, it may make light from a lamp or the sun seems glaring or too bright. Also, colors will not appear as bright as they once did.
For instance, when a nuclear cataract first appears, it may bring about a temporary improvement in near vision, which is called second sight.
Unfortunately, this will be short-lived, and it will disappear as the cataract begins to worsen.
What Causes this Eye Disorder
The lens in your eye works in the same manner as a camera lens, focusing the light onto the retina for clear vision. It will also adjust the focus of the eye allowing you to see things clearly, both up close and from afar.
The lens is primarily made from protein and water. As you get age, the protein starts clumping together and cloud a small part of the lens. This is called a cataract, and as time passes, it may grow bigger and cloud a larger part of the lens making it hard for you to see.
Apart from aging, other risk factors include:
Treatment
When symptoms start to appear, you can improve your vision for a while using strong bifocals, visual aids, magnification, and appropriate lighting.
As the condition progress, you may want to start thinking about refractive surgery before they start impairing your vision and affecting your day-to-day life.