A cataract is any opacity of the lens of the eye. In the
earliest stages you may not even be aware that you are developing cataracts.
As time goes on, the medical condition worsens and more symptoms develop
from the increased opacity of the lens. There are different ways a cataract
can affect your vision:
-
Difficulty focusing on objects, like looking through a dirty
window
-
Glare around lights such as when driving at night
-
Reading difficulties
Usually people notice a number of these things, although
some symptoms may be more pronounced than others and noticed only in certain
types of light.
Pain or discomfort
Cataracts do not cause symptoms such as pain, discomfort,
or reddening of the eye in the vast majority of patients. Some people can
notice eye strain with some associated discomfort.
Causes
of Cataracts
The most common cause of cataracts is the natural aging
changes of the eye. There are other factors that are associated with increased
incidence of cataracts. These most commonly include:
-
Diabetes Mellitus
-
Use of systemic or topically applied steroids such as Prednisone
-
Some inborn errors of metabolism
-
Chronic exposure to ultra-violet radiation such as sunlight
Cataract
Prevention
