Cataracts are areas of cloudiness in the eye’s lens, which is normally clear. In the U.S., around 24.4 million people have cataracts, making it a leading cause of vision problems. People above 65 are particularly prone to developing cataracts, with over half of those affected falling within the 65 to 74 age group. Risks for developing cataracts include being assigned female at birth, a family history of the condition, and health issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
Cataracts often impact both eyes and can cause symptoms such as blurry vision, dullness in color perception, and difficulty seeing at night. Treatment options vary from simple adjustments, like new glasses or contacts, to surgery. Thankfully, cataract treatments are highly effective, with most people experiencing improved vision post-treatment.
The eye’s lens, located behind the iris, is made up of several layers, and cataracts are identified based on which layer is clouded. Major types include nuclear, cortical, and posterior capsular cataracts. Nuclear cataracts cause discoloration in the central part of the lens, worsen gradually, and typically affect distance vision. Cortical cataracts form in the outer layer and look like spokes or oily droplets, moving inwards from the edges. They often cause glare issues. Posterior capsular cataracts involve the back of the lens, leading to significant vision loss and problems in bright conditions if the central area is affected.
Cataracts generally progress over time; they might not be noticeable initially but worsen as they develop. Symptoms and their severity can vary depending on the cataract type, and either one or both eyes might be involved.
Cataracts form when the proteins in the lens, known as crystallins, start to clump together, preventing light from focusing properly on the retina. Aging is the primary cause of cataracts, as the body loses efficiency in removing waste and repairing cells, resulting in the damaged structure of crystallins. Genetics and health conditions can speed up this process.
Diagnosis aims to assess cataract severity and rule out other potential causes. It involves a detailed review of your medical and medication history, along with a comprehensive eye examination. Additional tests might also be conducted to eliminate other eye conditions like glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy.
Treatment for cataracts is geared towards restoring clear vision and usually involves non-surgical approaches initially, moving to surgery if the condition significantly affects daily activities. A common surgical method is phacoemulsification, where ultrasound waves help remove the affected lens, which is then replaced with an artificial lens, or IOL. Another option is extracapsular surgery, which uses a larger incision to extract the whole lens.
While some cataracts cannot be prevented, lifestyle changes could help reduce risk. Cataracts can be associated with other eye issues and broader health conditions. They are the leading cause of preventable blindness globally, especially in lower-income nations. Despite this, cataract surgeries have a high success rate.
Routine care and regular eye check-ups are vital. If you’re experiencing vision difficulties affecting your daily life, it’s important to seek medical advice early. Vision impairment due to cataracts can potentially qualify for disability benefits if it progresses significantly, making things appear much closer than they are.
Initially, cataracts might not severely impact vision, and glasses or contacts might help. However, if cataracts worsen, they can affect your ability to drive safely. Always consult with your doctor regarding driving if you’re affected by cataracts.
Cataracts generally develop as part of the aging process, and those undergoing surgery are typically older. For instance, a 2018 study found that the average age for cataract surgery in the U.S. was 67.7 years.
