cataracts symptoms: do you know the signs?
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cataracts occur when the normally clear lens of the eye hardens with age and becomes cloudy, blocking light from reaching the retina and obstructing the ability to see properly. this clouding of the lens, which is painless and typically detected during a routine eye exam, generally occurs slowly over time and can affect one or both eyes, according to the canadian national institute for the blind.
although usually the result of an age-related buildup of proteins in the eyes, there are other types of cataracts, including those that are present at birth (congenital), those that develop after injury to the eye (traumatic), those formed by prolonged uv exposure (radiation) and those that develop as the result of another condition (secondary).
in the early stages of development, cataracts may not present much of a threat to vision and can be addressed with special glasses. as the condition worsens, however, surgery may be required. surveys have shown that more than half of canadians remain unaware that such surgery is available as a safe and effective option for removing cataracts and restoring vision.
what are the symptoms of cataracts?
the clues of an impending cataract generally arrive slowly and become more noticeable over time. if you experience any sudden changes to your vision, you should consult a doctor immediately. symptoms of a cataract include: sensitivity to bright light or seeing halos around lights; a decreasing ability to see at night; double or cloudy vision; and the inability to distinguish between colours.
there are a series of risk factors that increase the chances of developing cataracts, including age, family history, high blood pressure, alcohol use, smoking, excessive exposure to the sun, medications, injury and some other health conditions (such as diabetes).
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how are cataracts diagnosed?
there are three tests that are typically used to determine the presence of cataracts, according to fighting blindness canada: a slit-lamp examination, in which a microscope with a bright light is used to provide a better look at the cornea, iris and lens; a retinal examination, which uses special eye drops to dilate the eyes and make it easier to inspect of the area of concern; and a visual acuity test, which is used to measure sharpness and clarity of the eyes
how are cataracts treated?
early in the course of a cataract, an eye doctor might prescribe nothing more than new lenses to help patients see more clearly, according to the canadian association of optometrists. once the condition begins to interfere with everyday life, however, patients will likely be referred to an ophthalmologist who will inspect the extent of the issue and likely recommend surgery to remove the cataract. this type of surgery involves removing the old, cloudy lens from the eye and replacing it with an intraocular implant. the new lens may actually restore vision to the point that a corrective lens is no longer needed to view objects at distance but glasses will likely still be required for reading.
how can i prevent cataracts?
while there is currently no known way to prevent cataracts, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk, including wearing sunglasses that shield the eyes from uv rays and eating foods rich in antioxidants, such as blueberries, red berries (strawberries, raspberries, cranberries), apples, prunes, pecans, small red beans, artichokes and dark green veggies (broccoli, kale). other ways to lower risk include getting regular eye exams, managing your health, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol use and eating a healthy diet.
prevalence of cataracts
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cataracts are the second-leading cause of blindness in the world, according to north toronto eye care. more than 2.5 million canadians are currently dealing with the condition, a number that is expected to double by 2031. more than 350,000 cataract surgeries are performed in the country every year.
support and resources for cataracts
check out the canadian national institute for the blind and fighting blindness canada for more information about cataracts and other eye issues, as well as to connect with others who are dealing with the challenges of vision loss.
dave yasvinski is a toronto-based writer.
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