Church Partnership Newsletter January 2015 | Page 4
Cataracts
Cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Most cataracts are related to aging, and are
very common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had
cataract surgery. Some individuals experience age-related cataract in their 40s and 50s, but it isn't until they
enter their 60s where it begins to affect vision. A cataract can occur in one or both eyes, but cannot spread
from one eye to the other.
The lens is a clear part of the eye that helps focus light on
the retina at the back of the eye where the image is
'captured'. The lens mostly consists of water and precisely
arranged proteins. As part of the aging process the
protein may clump together and start to cloud an area on
the lens. This area can grow over time, allowing less light
to reach the retina, making images appear to be blurry.
Other types of cataract
Secondary cataract - cataracts can form after surgery for other eye problems, such as glaucoma, and
can develop in people who have other health problems, such as diabetes. The formation of cataract
has been linked to steroid use.
Traumatic cataract - cataracts that develop after an eye injury, sometimes year later.
Congenital cataract - some babies are born with cataracts or develop them in childhood, often in both
eyes. These cataracts may be so small, they do not affect vision. If they do, the lenses may need to be
removed.
Radiation cataract - the development of cataracts after exposure to radiation.
Some common symptoms of cataract
Cloudy/blurry vision
Faded colors (The lens slowly changes to a yellow/brown color. Performing routine activities and
identifying blues and purples may become more difficult. This does not affect the sharpness of images.)
Glare and/or halos around lights
Poor night vision
Double vision
Treatments for cataract
The symptoms of early cataract may be improved with new eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses,
or magnifying lenses. If these measures aren't useful, surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an
artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL), may be an option. An IOL is a clear, plastic lens that requires no
care and becomes a permanent part of the eye. The new lens, which cannot be felt or seen, allows light to
focus on the retina, just as the original lens.
Take care of your eyes
Wearing sunglasses and a hat with a brim to block ultraviolet sunlight may help delay cataract. If you smoke,
stop. It is believed the risk of age-related cataract can be reduced by eating green leafy vegetables, fruit, and
other foods with antioxidants.
Resource: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/cataract.html