Blurred vision: Is it cataract?
April 6, 2009
Have you heard someone complaining of foggy vision for a long time? It could be cataract. Cataract is the condition in which the crystalline lens of the eye becomes clouded or opaque, impairing vision and, if untreated, can lead to blindness.
Known causes Cataracts develop from a variety of reasons, including long-term exposure to ultraviolet light, exposure to radiation, secondary effects of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and advanced age, or trauma (possibly much earlier). Genetic factors are often a cause of congenital cataracts and positive family history may also play a role in predisposing someone to cataracts at an earlier age.
Cataracts may also be produced by eye injury or physical trauma. Cataracts are also unusually common in persons exposed to infrared radiation. Allergic conditions are also known to quicken the progression of cataracts.
There are various types of cataracts, like nuclear, cortical, mature, and hypermature.
Cataracts are also classified by their location, like posterior (classically due to steroid use) and anterior (common cataract related to aging).
Identify it The symptoms usually begin with a gradual diminution or blurring of vision.
Glare from sunlight or nighttime driving can be a significant problem. Cataract most often affects people after the age of 50 but the symptoms may first appear at a much younger age, especially if the person has cataract-associated diseases.
Once the cataract becomes more opaque, one has problems with vision.
Contrast sensitivity is also lost, so that contours, shadows and colour vision are less vivid. Veiling glare can be a problem as light is scattered by the cataract into the eye.
Prevention Although there are not any scientifically proven preventions for cataracts, it i s sometimes said that wearing ultravioletprotecting sunglasses may slow the development of cataracts.
Regular intake of antioxidants (such as vitamin A, C and E) is also considered helpful.
Treatment When one feels blurry in vision, a contrast sensitivity test should be performed and if a loss in contrast sensitivity is demonstrated, an eye specialist consultation is recommended.
With high-risk groups such as diabetics, it is advisable to seek medical opinion if a ‘halo’ is observed around street lights at night, especially if it is confined to one eye.
Surgery is usually considered when the cataract can alter the person’s ability to perform daily activities, but each individual case is assessed on the specific circumstances.