Cataracts are hard to see through because they cause clouding of the lens within the eye. Cataracts most often affect both eyes and cause glare sensitivity and blurred vision.
A cataract is a normal part of ageing. As we age, the normally clear crystalline lens within our eye can become yellow or opaque. Clinically significant cataracts occur when the patient is bothered by glare or blurred vision.
Risk Factors
Most cataracts are caused by age and progress slowly. The following risk factors can increase the chance or progression of cataract:
1. Accumulated exposure to ultraviolet radiation
2. Trauma
3. Some diseases of the eye
4. Some medications
5. Systemic diseases such as diabetes
6. Poor nutrition
Treatment and Management
In the early stages, your optometrist will monitor your cataract(s). Often your vision can be improved by making a change in your eyeglass prescription. However, if the cataract progresses and causes your vision to become too blurry a referral to an Ophthalmologist for cataract surgery will be arranged by your Optometrist. To Slow down the formation of cataracts we recommend protection from the sun and a balanced diet.
Regular eye examinations by the optometrist are needed to check the health of your eyes.
