What is an eye cataract?
An eye cataract is when the eye’s natural lens clouds over and doesn’t focus well. The natural lens of the eye is behind both the iris and the pupil. The natural lens of the eye acts a lot like a lens on a camera. The lens focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye so that you can see. Also, the lens adjusts the focus of the eye to let you see things that are up close and far away clearly.
How does a cataract develop?
The natural eye lens is made up of water and protein. The protein helps keeps the lens clear and lets light pass through it. However, as you get older, sometimes the protein in the lens starts to clump together. When this happens, it becomes difficult for the light to pass through clearly. Your vision will become cloudy, and it becomes hard to see clearly. This is what is called a cataract.
After a while, it’s possible that your cataract will grow bigger and cloud more of the lens, and you will find it even more difficult to see.
What are the different types of cataracts?
Cataracts are classified as three different types.
Nuclear Cataract
A nuclear cataract forms in the center of the lens, called the nucleus. It is usually seen as it forms. A nuclear cataract occurs simply because of natural aging.
Cortical Cataract
A cortical cataract is another type of cataract that forms in the lens cortex. It starts around the outer edges and then grows toward the center of the lens. Many diabetics develop a cortical cataract of the eye.
Subcapsular Cataract
A subcapsular cataract begins to grow at the back of the eye lens. It is quite common for people with diabetes to develop a subcapsular cataract. Also, people with high farsightedness or who take large amounts of steroids have a high chance of developing subcapsular cataract.
What are the symptoms of a cataract?
You will usually first notice a cataract because it will have an effect on your vision. It will start small but will grow bigger and affect your vision even more. Your vision will be hazy and blurred. If you get a cataract, it will look as though you were looking through a piece of glass that was foggy and unclear. Also, a cataract may make light seem too bright and hurt your eyes, including light from the sun or from a lamp. Or you may notice that headlights on cars at night have a bad glare that makes it more difficult to see. Even colors might not seem as bright to you as they normally did.
Your symptoms will vary according to the type of cataract that you have. Also, how soon your symptoms occur depends on the type of cataract as well.
For example, a nuclear cataract can cause a temporary improvement in near sightedness called “second sight” when it first begins to develop. The negative side is that this improved vision won’t last forever. As the cataract worsens, this improved vision will disappear. Another example is of a subcapsular cataract. Symptoms will usually not begin with this type of eye cataract until after it has already developed a lot.
If you experience any of these symptoms and think you may have a cataract, it is important to make an appointment with your eye doctor to find out for sure.
What causes a cataract?
The causes of a cataract are not known for sure. Research is being done that suggests that types of radiation may cause cataracts. There are several risk factors that may also cause cataracts, including diabetes, steroid use, a diet high in salt, and aging. Other risk factors include cigarette smoke, air pollution, and large amounts of alcohol consumption.
Some eye care professionals believe that a diet high in antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E, may help prevent the development of a cataract.