There are several factors of risk relating to cataract, and age is among the top factors. With age, the lenses become frosted and develop cloudy patches leading to impairment of vision, which, could interfere with day-to-day activities.
If left untreated, cataracts could result in complete blindness.
6 things worth knowing about age-related cataracts:
1) A common problem linked with ageing
Men and women who are 40, and above, stand at a higher risk of developing cataracts.
2) Symptoms
Some of the common symptoms of age-related cataracts include:
- Low vision
- Blurred vision
- Seeing floaters
- Discoloured pupils
- Seeing halos around light
- Double vision in a single eye
- Nearsightedness
- Farsightedness
- Sensitivity to glare
- Frequent changes in eyeglass/lens prescription
If you experience notice any of the aforementioned symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical advice, and receive a proper diagnosis. By beginning an early treatment, you could prevent the eye condition from worsening. Visit Disha Eye Hospital to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment. Disha has a team of the best eye specialists in Kolkata and will take care to ensure quality eye care at an affordable cost. To book an appointment with us, visit http://www.dishaeye.org
3) How do cataracts form?
The lens is made up of epithelial cells which are rich in protein; the cells tend to degenerate with age. As a result, the denatured protein may start to form clumps, and gradually limit the amount of light entering the eye, leading to impaired vision.
4) Poor quality of life due to decreased vision
As people suffering from cataracts experience progressive decline in vision, they could encounter several problems in their routine such as driving at night or experience difficulty in seeing properly under low light.
In many cases, it is usual for patients to experience nearsightedness as the cataract alters the shape of the lens. As a result, activities such as reading fine print, and knitting, may become inconvenient. Decreased colour vision is another common complication of cataracts.
5) Testing for age-related cataracts
When you visit an eye specialist, they will conduct a series of eye tests for a proper diagnosis. The common eye tests that eye specialists perform for the diagnosis of cataracts include visual acuity test, slit-lamp examination, and retinal examination.
6) Surgery as a treatment for cataracts
Surgery is the only effective treatment for cataracts. Depending upon your medical history and eye health, the eye doctor will determine whether or not cataract surgery is a feasible option for you.
Prior to scheduling the date for the surgery, the doctor may recommend period follow-up examinations to determine whether or not the symptoms are worsening.
7) Cataract surgery
During a cataract surgery, the eye surgeon will remove the clouded lens and replace it with a clear, artificial lens called intraocular lens. Apart from ensuring a clear vision, artificial lens can correct visual acuity and eliminate the need for prescription eyeglasses.
Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure; you don’t have to stay at the hospital after the surgery. In cases where surgery is required in both eyes, the doctor will schedule the next surgery after you’ve properly healed from the first surgery.