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WHAT IS A CATARACT?

Early in life, the natural lens of the eye is virtually clear. Light passes through the lens and is focused on the retina, the delicate tissue in the back of the eye. As the eye ages, the lens loses focusing ability and later becomes cloudy. This blocks or scatters light, which causes a blurry image on the retina. Cloudiness of the natural lens is a called a cataract.

WHO IS AT RISK?

Cataracts can form at any age, but are more common later in life. Cataracts are the leading cause of vision impairment in people over the age of 50. By age 75, about 70% of people will have developed cataract that cause some impairment of vision. Certain medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus are associated with cataract formation. Injuries to the eye, medications such as Prednisone, and history of smoking may also cause cataracts to develop.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

As cataracts become more dense, changes in vision may occur. This tends to happen gradually. Blur, glare, haloes around lights, and loss of contrast are common symptoms. Colors may appear faded. Cataracts can also cause problems with vision while driving, especially at night or in poor weather. Some cataracts will cause frequent changes in the eyeglasses prescription. Left untreated cataracts may become severe enough to cause severe vision loss, even blindness.

WHAT WILL MY DOCTOR SEE?

Most cataracts are easy for an eye care professional to diagnose. An opacification or clouding of the lens can be detected with a routine eye examination. Sometimes cataracts can become severe enough to obscure the view of other structures in the eye.

WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE FOR CATARACTS?

The only treatment available for cataracts is cataract surgery. Surgery is typically considered when changes in vision due to cataracts begin to affect normal daily activities, such as reading and driving. The symptoms of early cataracts may be improved with a new eyeglasses prescription, brighter light, or magnifying lenses. Eyedrops, oral medications, and lasers are not available to treat cataracts.

CAN CATARACTS BE PREVENTED?

There is no way to completely prevent a cataract. Smoking has been linked to cataract development, and quitting has been shown to decrease risk. Decreasing exposure to ultraviolet light (wearing sunglasses or a brimmed hat when outdoors) may be beneficial.

FUTURE

Most of the research being done for cataracts involves improving visual outcomes after cataract surgery. Eye Surgeons of Indiana actively participates in research of this type.

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