A Guide To
Cataract

Causes, Symptoms And risk Factors

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What is A Cataract?

Cataract is a progressive condition that leads to clouding of the lenses leading to blurry vision and even blindness if left untreated.

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How cataract begins

Proteins in the eye form clumps which prevent the lens from sending clear images to the retina. Cataract develops slowly and eventually causes vision problems.

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Know more...

One can get cataract in both the eyes, but they don't usually form at the same time. They are more common in older people.

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Causes

Ultraviolet radiation, smoking, long-term use of steroids and other medications, diabetes, trauma and radiation therapy can cause cataract.

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symptoms

Trouble seeing at night, blurry vision, seeing colours as faded, halos surrounding lights, need for frequent change of eye glasses and double vision in the affected eye.

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Types of cataract

One can be born with cataracts (congenital) or, they can occur because of injury to the eye (traumatic). Nuclear, cortical and radiation cataracts are other types.

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Risk factors

Too much exposure to the sun, obesity, high BP, smoking, old age, regular & heavy alcohol intake and family history of cataracts can increase your risk.

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Treatment

Surgery is recommended when cataract makes day-to-day functioning difficult. Eye glasses, magnifying lenses, or anti-glare sunglasses are recommended otherwise.

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prevention

Quit smoking, protect eyes from UV rays, have regular eye exams, eat a healthy diet with fresh fruits and vegetables, maintain a healthy diet and manage diabetes well.

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