A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural transparent lens, which helps us to focus on the objects we see.



The lens is mostly made of water and protein.

Due to age, some of the protein may clump together and start to cloud a small area of the lens. This is a cataract, and over time, it may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, making it harder to see.

What are the types of Cataract?

Cataracts are classified as one of three types:

1. A nuclear cataract is most commonly seen as it forms.

This cataract forms in the nucleus, the center of the lens, and is due to natural aging changes.

2. A cortical cataract, which forms in the outer lens cortex, gradually extends its spokes from the outside of the lens to the center. Many diabetics develop cortical cataracts.

3. A subcapsular cataract begins at the back of the lens. People with diabetes, high farsightedness, retinitis pigmentosa or those taking high doses of steroids may develop a subcapsular cataract.

What are the Symptoms and Signs of Cataract?

A cataract begins slowly and at first has little effect on your vision.

There may some blurring of vision .

Light from the sun or a lamp may seem too bright or glaring.

Colors may not appear as bright as they once did.

What Causes a Cataract?

The eye's lens changes as we age, forming cataracts.

1. Exposure to ultraviolet light may be a cause of cataract development, so eye specialist recommend wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.

2. Other types of radiation such as from TV or PC monitors may also be causes. Airline pilots have a higher risk of developing nuclear cataract than non-pilots, and that the cause may be exposure to cosmic radiation.

3. People with diabetes are at risk for developing a cataract. The same goes for users of steroids and diuretics.

4. Other risk factors include cigarette smoke, air pollution and heavy alcohol consumption

How is Cataract treated?

Symptomatic treatment:

When symptoms begin to appear, you may be able to improve your vision for a while using new glasses, strong bifocals, magnification, appropriate lighting or other visual aids.

Surgical treatment:

An intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted in the eye in place of the patient's clouded natural lens.

During surgery, the surgeon will remove your clouded lens, and in most cases replace it with a clear, plastic intraocular lens (IOL).

Cataract surgery is very successful in restoring vision.

Can a Cataract be prevented?

Some eye care practitioners believe that a diet high in antioxidants, such as beta-carotene (vitamin A), selenium and vitamins C may slow down cataract development.

Eye drops such as Catalin & Quinax has been prescribed to slow down the development of cataract.

Most important is avoid direct sun rays and other forms of radiation from TV or PC monitors, polluted air and smoking.