You may not have heard of cataracts, but it’s one of the most common eye problems in the world. A cataract is a condition that causes the lens of the eye to become cloudy, which can lead to blurry vision and even blindness.
If you’re experiencing any symptoms of cataracts, it’s important to visit an advanced eye care center near you as soon as possible for a diagnosis and treatment. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at what cataract is, what causes them, and the various treatment options available.
What Is a Cataract?
Cataracts are a common eye condition that can cause vision loss in affected individuals. They develop as the vitreous gel that fills the lens of the eye begins to break down, causing the lens to become cloudy and cells in the lens to die off. Eventually, this process will be stopped by scarring, but in the meantime, it can lead to visual impairment or blindness. Cataracts usually develop slowly over time and, if left untreated, may progress quickly until vision loss occurs.
Causes of Cataract
There are several causes of cataracts, including:
- Aging – As we age, the lens of our eyes can become cloudy
- Diabetes – One of the long-term effects of diabetes is damage to the blood vessels in the retina, which can lead to cataracts.
- UV Exposure – Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can cause cataracts
- Smoking – Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals that can damage the proteins in the lens of the eye, leading to cataracts.
Symptoms of Cataract
Some common cataract symptoms include blurred vision, halos around lights, difficulty seeing in low light, increased glare, and a decrease in color intensity. You may also experience double vision in one or both eyes, difficulty distinguishing between colors, changes in eyeglass prescription, and the feeling that your glasses are not helping as much as they used to
Diagnosis of Cataracts
If you think you may have cataracts, then check in with your doctor! They will be able to give you a thorough examination and go through your health history, including any previous surgeries or injuries.
They may use slit-lamp eye exams and imaging tests to look for early signs of damage that could indicate cataracts in their early stages. In some cases, they may apply dilating eye drops to get a better look into the eyes and detect any changes in the lens.
During the appointment, they can also test your vision acuity and keep track of any age-related vision changes that could signal cataracts. Blood tests are sometimes used as well to see if there are any other underlying causes for the development of cataracts.
Treatment Options for Cataracts
If you’ve been diagnosed with cataracts, your doctor might suggest replacing the clouded lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This quick outpatient procedure can often correct your vision in hours.
Another option is Laser Cataract Surgery, which uses advanced technology for targeting and reshaping the eye’s lens. You can go for this surgery after a cataract has already formed or as a preventative measure to avoid cataracts from growing in the future. Lastly, there are topical medicines available that can help reverse the spread of cataracts while also improving vision over time.
Ultimately, speaking to your doctor about the best treatment option for your situation is important.
Tips for Maintaining Eye Health with Cataracts
You can manage cataracts by taking some major steps every day. Here are some tips for maintaining eye health with cataracts.
- Wear UV-protective sunglasses or a brimmed hat to protect your eyes from the harmful sun rays, which can worsen cataracts.
- Schedule regular, comprehensive eye exams and keep track of your eye health to stay ahead of changes in vision.
- Quit smoking today as it increases your risk of developing cataracts.
- Eat a diet rich in antioxidants such as leafy greens and omega-3 fatty acids; these nutrients help protect the eyes from damage caused by free radicals.
- Exercise regularly to keep the body healthy and may also reduce the risk of developing certain chronic diseases that can increase the risk of cataract formation.
Best Eye Treatment in Karnal
If you think you may have a cataract, you can visit Arora Eye Centre, the best eye hospital in Karnal, for a personalized diagnosis and treatment plan that fits you best.
Moreover, if you are looking for LASIK surgery in Karnal, look no further than Arora Eye Centre. At AEC, you will get the highest possible personalized care and treatment with the assistance of the latest technologies.
