What is cataract?

Cataracts are a clouding of the eye's lens. Behind the pupil is a transparent lens that must be clear for good vision. The lens becomes stiffer and harder as we age, and the proteins in the lens can also clump together, causing blurred vision. While this is usually due to aging, cataracts can also be congenital or the result of a disease.

Symptoms of cataracts

The greater the clouding, the more noticeable a cataract is. If a cataract is only at the edges of the lens, the discomfort will be less. If the clouding is in the center, symptoms such as double or blurred vision may occur. Colors may also appear duller. If stronger glasses are suddenly necessary, this could be due to a cataract.

Cataracts develop very slowly. Therefore, they are initially barely noticeable. Only later, when a larger portion of the lens is affected, does vision deteriorate. Cataracts can be detected by an optician, but they cannot treat them. An ophthalmologist is required for this.

What causes cataracts?

• Age: The main cause of cataracts is aging. As you get older, proteins in the lens can clump together, which can make the lens cloudy.
• Heredity: cataracts can be congenital and manifest at a young age.
• Internal eye infection
• Diabetes
• Smoking, alcohol consumption and unhealthy diet
• Excessive exposure to sunlight
• Certain medications, such as anti-inflammatories

Cataracts and daily life

Driving can increase the burden of cataracts. Oncoming headlights can be blinding, making them especially problematic in the dark. Whether you can still drive is determined by a visual field test. This test can be performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

In daily life, there are several things that can slightly increase the risk of cataracts, such as prolonged exposure to bright sunlight. Therefore, it's wise to wear sunglasses. Eating healthily, not smoking, and not drinking too much can also reduce your risk of cataracts.

Treatment of cataracts

There are no medications for cataracts. The only way to get rid of them is surgery, in which the cloudy lens is replaced with a clear artificial one. Surgery isn't immediately necessary. Early intervention doesn't necessarily mean better results. However, early intervention does reduce the risk of complications.

During surgery, both eyes are not treated simultaneously. There is a minimum of four weeks between each eye. This allows one eye to fully recover and allows the ophthalmologist to determine the required lens strength in the other eye. Leaving cataracts untreated can then lead to blindness.

We are here for you

Are you experiencing symptoms consistent with cataracts? Don't keep them to yourself. Call one of the stores near you and ask about the options.

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