Cataracts occur as a result of protein buildup in the eye lens. This makes the lens cloudy and blurry. Once the lens get cloudy, light ceases to pass through the lens which results in losing vision. As formation of new lens occurs outside of the lens, the existing cells get compressed in the lens’ center leading to a cataract. Cataracts can be treated at early stages since there are several obvious symptoms and signs that can alert an individual if they may have developed a cataract.
Cataract Types
The different types of cataracts are as follows:
1. Age-related
This type of cataract develops as an individual ages.
2. Congenital Cataracts
This type of cataract is present by birth in certain cases. This happens because of poor development, injury or infection before the child is born. This type of cataract can even develop anytime during childhood.
3. Secondary Cataracts
This kind of cataract occurs because of certain conditions like exposure to radiation or ultraviolet rays, drugs or other toxic substances and can also occur because of diseases like diabetes.
4. Traumatic Cataracts
Such cataracts can occur after an eye injury.
Some other elements that increase the risk of developing a cataract are heavy consumption of alcohol, air pollution, smoking and other similar reasons.
Symptoms and Signs To Look For
Cataracts can be easily treated but individuals must look out for certain symptoms and signs to attain early prevention. Here are some early signs:
1. Vision Gets Cloudy
When your vision starts becoming cloudy, it is the most basic sign of cataract. At first, you may not seem to notice it, but the cloudiness will gradually increase and you will start having trouble with your sight.
2. Discolouration of Lens
When a cataract starts to form, the eye lens start changing its colour and becomes either brownish or yellowish. Initially, this discolouration might not be noticeable, but will gradually increase. You might start having problems identifying different colours, especially purple and blue.
3. Myopic Shift
You use reading glasses yet never had a problem with looking at far away things but suddenly your distance vision has started going blurry and you don’t seem to have any problems reading without your reading glasses. If this happens, a cataract has clearly started to form in your eyes. The cataract has started to make changes in your vision. Although, this change is not permanent, but if left untreated, will lead to deterioration of vision.
4. Bad Night Vision
If you never had a problem driving at night before but have been experiencing problems now, it is best that you have your eyes checked for cataract.
5. Seeing Halos and Glare
If sunlight, glare of lamps or a car’s headlights start to seem a little too bright, this might be an indication of a developing cataract. You will start seeing halos and glares around light sources.
6. Double Vision
If you experience double vision in an eye then it is advisable to go to your eye doctor to have your eyes checked for cataracts.
7. Frequent Changes in Vision
If you experience frequent changes in your eyesight and you have to keep on updating your contact lenses or glasses then it is a clear sign of cataract.