Introduction
A cataract is any opacity of the lens of the eye. In the earliest stages you may not even be aware that you are developing cataracts. As time goes on, the medical condition worsens and more symptoms develop from the increased opacity of the lens. There are different ways a cataract can affect your vision:
- Difficulty focusing on objects, like looking through a dirty window
- Glare around lights such as when driving at night
- Reading difficulties
Usually people notice a number of these things, although some symptoms may be more pronounced than others and noticed only in certain types of light.
Pain or discomfort
Cataracts do not cause symptoms such as pain, discomfort, or reddening of the eye in the vast majority of patients. Some people can notice eye strain with some associated discomfort.
Causes of Cataracts
The most common cause of cataracts is the natural aging changes of the eye. There are other factors that are associated with increased incidence of cataracts. These most commonly include:
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Use of systemic or topically applied steroids such as Prednisone
- Some inborn errors of metabolism
- Chronic exposure to ultra-violet radiation such as sunlight
Cataract Prevention
Generally everyone develops some cataractous changes to their lens with increasing age; this cannot be prevented. Some precautions, however, such as wearing glasses that filter UV rays from the sunlight are helpful.
Copyright 2009 NBC Health
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