What Everyone Should Know About Cataracts, A Common Eye Problem

So what is a cataract? Ask most people and they will most likely reply that it’s an eye problem, normally hits older people, and “blurred vision.” According to the National Institution of Health, most likely half of Americans who reach the age of 80 will have to face this problem. Basically, a cataract is defined as clouding of the normal clear lens of your eye, as per the Mayo Clinic. They are pretty common in the US, with about 200,000 new cases yearly.  They can cause difficulty in reading, driving, and recognizing facial expressions. It is not only a malady for older people, you can have cataracts in the 40s. But your risk of getting it comes with age, heavy drinking, and smoking. Also those with diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity are more at risk.

Cataracts usually don’t mess with your vision until you pass 60 years of age. Symptoms include cloudy or blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and seeing “halos” around lights. Some middle-aged men and women may be unknowingly straining to see clearly through cataracts, says Dr. Stephen Foster, clinical professor of ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, and founder of the Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution.

So, here is what most people don’t understand about this eye ailment.

Cataracts don’t begin to form on your eyes. While a cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens, many people assume that a foggy coating develops on top of the lens, but cataracts actually form inside the eye. “That’s the most frequent misunderstanding I encounter,” explains Dr.  Foster. The vision-distorting happens when proteins that make the usually normally clear lenses break down. Dr. Foster says, “You can’t feel a cataract, and it could take months or years to progress to a stage where you require surgery to remove it.”

Not everyone with cataracts require surgery. When cataracts first start to form, your vision isn’t affected much, explains Dr. Foster. “ Many people put off surgery for years,” he adds. Furthermore, he explains that there are not really any risks procrastinating. “I always say that if a cataract affects your quality of life, then we need plans to take it out. Otherwise, we can forget about it until your next appointment.”

Cataract surgery is common, and really safe. Many people are naturally afraid of surgeries, particularly if it involves the eyes. But there is nothing to really worry about…cataract surgery has a 96% success rate, making it one of the safest procedures in modern medicine. “It involves local anaesthetic, a small incision, and no stitches,” says Dr. Foster. It involves removing your lens, cleaning out any gunk, and inserting a new lens implant. “It only takes about 15 minutes,” reassures Dr. Foster. You will just have to wear a protective shield when you nap or sleep. But your vision will improve right after the day of surgery, and will fully recover within a month, explains the doctor.

Cataracts may affect only one eye. Though bilateral cataracts are more common, you may develop cataracts in just one eye. According to Dr. Foster, “ Especially if you’ve suffered some kind of blow or trauma to one of your eyes, that may result in a cataract developing in one eye, but not the other.”  

Getting older is not the only risk of developing cataracts. It can happen to young to middle-aged people as well. It may be brought on by an eye injury, or following surgery for another eye issue, such as glaucoma. Radiation and sun exposure also put people at risk, while some cataracts are congenital, and some babies are born with it.

Cataracts can distort your vision in different ways. Some people have constantly blurred eyesight, while others only under some conditions (like driving at night). “ I’ve had cataract patients with 20-20 vision,” recalls Dr. Foster. “ His vision was perfect most of the time, but he had a particular type of cataract that causes light scatter,” recounts Dr. Foster about a patient who complained about difficulty driving at night.

You can’t help but age, though you can reduce risks of cataracts. If you have the discipline, a lifestyle change may help. Quit smoking, don’t drink excessively, and watch your diet. Load up on antioxidant rich fruits and vegetables. Avoid diabetes and obesity as well. And, you may want to wear those designer UV-blocking sunglasses…at least you may look good. Enjoy life!