by Administrator
27. December 2009 07:31
Cataract is the clouding of the eye lens.
Lens of the eye refracts the light on to the retina of the eye. The lens changes its size and shape to properly focus the light on the retina so that the correct image of the distant or near object is formed on the retina.
Causes Of Cataract
- Aging – Lens of the eye is made up of proteins. The protein in the lens maintains the clarity of the lens. With advancing age the chemical composition of the lens proteins changes and proteins generally gets distorted. This causes clouding in the eye lens.
- Congenital Cataract- Due to hereditary causes, cataract can be present at the time of birth. This condition is rare.
- Recent researches have shown that prolonged exposure to ultra-violet radiations can also cause cataract.
- Severe trauma or injury to the eye.
- Other medical conditions like Diabetes, obesity
- Long term uses of steroids like prednisone.
- Hereditary causes – People with family history of cataracts are more prone to develop the cataract.
Symptoms OfCataract
- Blurring and gradually loss of vision
- Diminished color vision
- Difficulty in glare
- Increased nearsightedness
- Double vision in one eye
- Increased difficulty of vision at night
Diagnosis
- Visual Acuity test – This test is done to evaluate the problem with the vision. It is done to test the vision. By reading the letters or numbers from the card held 14 inches from the face.
- Dilated eye test- Pupil us dilated or widened by putting some eye drops in the eye. The eye is then examined by the doctor. This test allows the doctor to see more of the lens and retina.
- Glare sensitivity test
Treatment Of Cataract
The symptoms of the early cataract can be improved by
- New eyeglasses for altered vision
- Brighter lighting and magnifying glasses during reading, watching TV
- Anti glare sunglasses
- Surgery – Surgery is done only when symptoms of the cataract doesn’t improve with above methods and are so severe that they cause difficulty in performing daily life activities. In cataract removal surgery the natural lens of the eye that has developed opacification is removed and artificial lens implant is inserted.
Killeen Eyecare Center provides consultation and treatments for various eye problems.