A cataract is an eye disorder that affects the vision of a person suffering from it. Cataracts are formations of a dense and cloudy layer in the lens of the eyes. This layer obstructs the passage of light through the lens, resulting in unclear and blurred vision in the person affected by it.
The formation of cataracts happens when proteins in the eye accumulate at the lenses, preventing them from sending clear images to the retina (part of the eye that processes the things we see). The retina is responsible for sending signals to the brain through optic nerves to process vision as a response.
cataract symptoms:
- Blurry Vision : Cataracts blur your vision- that may appear like looking through a foggy glass.
- Night blindness : The inability of the lens to let light pass through to the retina (due to cataracts) makes it very difficult to see properly at night.
- Seeing faded colours : The development of cataracts can also be indicated if you are viewing colours around you in a faded manner
- Halos around lights : Viewing halos around lights and looking at lights in a blurry manner is a major indicator of cataracts.
- Double vision : An advanced stage of cataracts can also be indicated by a blurry vision that leads to viewing a single object as two(double vision).
- Frequent change of glasses (for people with glasses) : If you wear glasses and are required to change the glasses frequently due to changing powers, then it is likely to be caused by a cataract.
- Sensitivity to glare : Sensitivity to glare indicates loss of visual acuity to light, a major indicator of the development of cataracts.
causes of cataracts. Some of the common causes of the ailment are listed below:
- Ageing : Oxidisation around the eyes caused by oxidative stress results in the formation of cataracts on the lenses of the eyes.
- Exposure to ultraviolet rays Ultraviolet rays can cause damage to the eyes and lead to the formation of cataracts on them.
- Long term use of steroids : Steroids can have a long term effect on the eyes and using them for prolonged periods may cause the formation of cataracts.
- Trauma : Trauma to the eyes like the insertion of objects or blunt force can damage the lens and cause cataracts.
- Radiation therapy : Radiation therapy for diseases like cancer may lead to the formation of cataracts.
- Diabetes : People with uncontrolled diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cataracts.