June is Cataract Awareness Month. What better time to talk about cataracts, what they are, how they form, and how to monitor your eye health for symptoms? Early detection is key to treatment, so it’s important to talk to your eye doctor if you experience any of the symptoms covered in this article.
What are Cataracts?
Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes progressively opaque, resulting in blurred vision. This happens when the proteins in your eye break down and collect on lens, clouding your vision. If not treated, cataracts grow larger and cloud more of the lens, making it more difficult to see.
Cataracts are the world’s leading cause of blindness. It’s estimated that almost 50% of people aged 75-85 experience some vision loss due to cataracts. Although it affects mostly the elderly, symptoms can start to appear in individuals as early as 40 years old and in rare cases, can be seen in young children and newborns.
There are three types of cataracts.
Nuclear cataract. Occurs in the central part or nucleus of the lens. It’s most commonly associated with aging.
Subcapsular cataract. Forms in the back of the lens. Individuals with diabetes or those on steroid medications risk developing subcapsular cataracts. Â
Cortical cataract. Found in the lens cortex, which surrounds the central nucleus. It’s characteristics include white, wedge-like blockages that start on the outside of the lens and work their way to to the center of the lens.
Cataracts can be caused by a range of factors including a history of smoking, trauma, high blood pressure, obesity, and extreme UV exposure from sunlight. Genetic history is also a strong risk indicator for cataracts. Cataracts can also be a condition of taking certain medications or related to being afflicted by disease, especially diabetes. In fact, individuals with diabetes have 10 times more risk to developing cataracts. However, the most common reason for cataracts is age.
Cataract symptoms
At first, you might not notice you have cataracts. They tend to start small and have little effect on your vision. Symptoms may differ based on the type of cataract. If you notice any of the following symptoms, see your eye doctor as soon possible:
- Your vision is a little blurred, like you are looking through frosted glass or seeing things like an impressionistic painting.
- Light from headlights, a lamp, or the sun is too bright and glaring.
- Colors appear not to be as bright as they used to be and are faded or washed out.
- If you wear glasses and your vision is not being improved.
Cataract prevention and treatment
Continuing research is helping to determine prevention and treatment for cataract formation, however most experts agree that a healthy diet helps. Studies have shown that supplements and a diet that includes vitamin E, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which is found in foods such as nuts, spinach, kale, and other leafy green vegetables, can help prevent cataracts from occurring. Other studies also point to antioxidants such as vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids as significantly reducing the risk of cataracts. Â
Limit your exposure to harmful UV rays from the sun. Wearing sunglasses, even when it’s not warm out, will help decrease your chances of developing cataracts in the future.
Unfortunately, nothing is guaranteed to prevent your eyes from developing cataracts. Thankfully, cataracts are almost always treatable. Cataracts can be removed with simple 10-15 minute procedure where the cataract is removed and permanently replaced with an artificial lens made of plastic or silicone.
When’s the last time you had an eye exam? Schedule an appointment online today! Dr. Jankowski and her optometry staff specialize in ocular disease management, helping you every step of the way.