Cataract
A cataract is when the lens of your eye becomes cloudy. The lens is the clear part of your eye behind your iris and pupil. The lens focuses light on the retina, which lets you see clearly.
When a lens becomes cloudy, your vision may become blurry. The clouding can range from a tiny dot to complete cloudiness. As some cataracts develop, they may make you more near-sighted. Other cataracts increase glare. Over time, cataracts can worsen and the pupil can sometimes look white. They get bigger and cloud more of the lens, making it difficult to see. Cataracts can affect one or both eyes.
CAUSES
Most cataracts are associated with age-related eye changes. The eye lens is mostly made up of water and protein. Normally this protein is …show more content…
• Have diabetes.
• Have high blood pressure.
• Take certain medicines, such as steroids or hormone replacement therapy.
• Have had an eye injury.
• Have or have had eye inflammation.
• Have a family history of cataracts.
• Are a smoker.
• Are a heavy alcohol drinker.
• Are frequently exposed to sun or very strong light without eye protection.
• Are obese.
• Have been exposed to large amounts of radiation, lead, or other toxic substances.
• Have had eye surgery.
SYMPTOMS
The main symptom of a cataract is blurry vision. Your vision may change or get worse over time. Other symptoms include:
• Increased glare.
• Seeing a bright ring or halo around light.
• Poor night vision.
• Double vision in one eye.
• Having trouble seeing, even while wearing contact lenses or glasses.
• Seeing colors that appear faded.
• Trouble telling the difference between blue and purple.
• Needing frequent changes to your prescription glasses or contacts. …show more content…
You may need to see an eye specialist (optometrist or ophthalmologist). Your health care provider may enlarge (dilate) your pupils with eye drops to see the back of your eye more clearly and look for signs of cataracts or other damage.
You may also have tests, including:
• A visual acuity test. This uses a chart to determine the smallest letters you can see from a specific distance.
• A slit-lamp exam. This uses a microscope to examine small sections of your eye for abnormalities.
• Tonometry. This test measures the pressure of the fluid inside your eye.
TREATMENT
Treatment depends on the stage of your cataract. For an early cataract, vision may improve by using different eyeglasses or stronger lighting. If that does not help your vision, surgery may be recommended to remove the cataract.
If your health care provider thinks your cataract may be linked to any medicines you are taking, he or she may change your medicines.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Lifestyle
• Use stronger or brighter lighting.
• Consider using a magnifying glass for reading or other activities.
• Become familiar with your surroundings. Poor vision can make you be at a higher risk for tripping, falling, or bumping into things.
• Wear sunglasses and a hat if you are sensitive to bright light or are having problems with
A cataract is when the lens of your eye becomes cloudy. The lens is the clear part of your eye behind your iris and pupil. The lens focuses light on the retina, which lets you see clearly.
When a lens becomes cloudy, your vision may become blurry. The clouding can range from a tiny dot to complete cloudiness. As some cataracts develop, they may make you more near-sighted. Other cataracts increase glare. Over time, cataracts can worsen and the pupil can sometimes look white. They get bigger and cloud more of the lens, making it difficult to see. Cataracts can affect one or both eyes.
CAUSES
Most cataracts are associated with age-related eye changes. The eye lens is mostly made up of water and protein. Normally this protein is …show more content…
• Have diabetes.
• Have high blood pressure.
• Take certain medicines, such as steroids or hormone replacement therapy.
• Have had an eye injury.
• Have or have had eye inflammation.
• Have a family history of cataracts.
• Are a smoker.
• Are a heavy alcohol drinker.
• Are frequently exposed to sun or very strong light without eye protection.
• Are obese.
• Have been exposed to large amounts of radiation, lead, or other toxic substances.
• Have had eye surgery.
SYMPTOMS
The main symptom of a cataract is blurry vision. Your vision may change or get worse over time. Other symptoms include:
• Increased glare.
• Seeing a bright ring or halo around light.
• Poor night vision.
• Double vision in one eye.
• Having trouble seeing, even while wearing contact lenses or glasses.
• Seeing colors that appear faded.
• Trouble telling the difference between blue and purple.
• Needing frequent changes to your prescription glasses or contacts. …show more content…
You may need to see an eye specialist (optometrist or ophthalmologist). Your health care provider may enlarge (dilate) your pupils with eye drops to see the back of your eye more clearly and look for signs of cataracts or other damage.
You may also have tests, including:
• A visual acuity test. This uses a chart to determine the smallest letters you can see from a specific distance.
• A slit-lamp exam. This uses a microscope to examine small sections of your eye for abnormalities.
• Tonometry. This test measures the pressure of the fluid inside your eye.
TREATMENT
Treatment depends on the stage of your cataract. For an early cataract, vision may improve by using different eyeglasses or stronger lighting. If that does not help your vision, surgery may be recommended to remove the cataract.
If your health care provider thinks your cataract may be linked to any medicines you are taking, he or she may change your medicines.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Lifestyle
• Use stronger or brighter lighting.
• Consider using a magnifying glass for reading or other activities.
• Become familiar with your surroundings. Poor vision can make you be at a higher risk for tripping, falling, or bumping into things.
• Wear sunglasses and a hat if you are sensitive to bright light or are having problems with