What Is Your Risk of Developing Cataracts?

A cataract is a cloudy dense film that forms over the eye lens. It is caused by eye proteins that form clumps, preventing the lens from transmitting clear images to the eye retina. The function of the retina is to convert light coming into the eye into signals. The signals are sent to the brain through the optic nerve. For this to work effectively, the lens needs to be clear.

Developing Cataracts 

Cataracts develop gradually and usually get to the point where they interfere with vision. For most people, cataracts initially develop in one eye before forming in both eyes. They often develop at different rates, causing one eye to have more advanced vision problems.

Cataracts are more common among the elderly, with more than 50 percent of seniors having undergone cataract surgery. Treating the condition can help avoid the risk of vision loss. 

Causes of Cataracts 

The natural aging process causes the eye lens to become thicker, less transparent, and less flexible. The fibers in the lenses break down, clumping together and causing clouding. Several factors can cause cataracts.

They include overproduction of oxidants, UV radiation, smoking, certain medical conditions such as diabetes, and long-term steroid or medication use. Some people develop cataracts after radiation therapy or due to eye trauma. 

Symptoms of Cataracts 

Some symptoms can indicate you have cataracts. They include:
 

• Blurry vision.
   

• Difficulty with night vision.
   

• Sensitivity to glare. 
   

• Seeing faded colors.
   

• Double vision. 
   

• Seeing halos around lights. 
   

• Frequent changes in the lens prescription. 

Types of Cataracts 

There are several forms of cataracts, with some being more common than others. They are classified depending on how and where they develop. They include cortical cataracts, posterior capsular cataracts, nuclear cataracts, congenital cataracts, secondary cataracts, traumatic cataracts, and radiation cataracts. 

Risk of Developing Cataracts

Some people have a higher chance of developing cataracts than others. The risks of developing cataracts include:
 

• Being older.
   

• Smoking. 
   

• Heavy alcohol consumption.
   

• Family history of cataracts.
   

• Having diabetes.
   

• Being overweight.
   

• Previous eye injuries.
   

• High blood pressure.
   

• Prolonged sunlight exposure.
   

• Exposure to radiation from cancer treatment or X-rays.

Making health and lifestyle changes and wearing eye protection can help prevent cataracts. Embracing a healthy diet can improve eye health, reducing the risk of developing cataracts. 

Diagnosing and Treating Cataracts 

A comprehensive eye exam can help detect cataracts and assess vision. Checking the vision and measuring eye pressure help determine eye health. A dilated eye exam makes it easy to check the retina and optic nerve. Other tests include checking for glare sensitivity and determining color perception.

In most cases, eye doctors recommend managing the condition if the vision is unaffected. But if cataracts affect the vision and the quality of life, doctors recommend surgery. Cataract surgery involves removing and replacing the clouded lens.

Cataracts can affect the quality of life by interfering with daily activities. If not treated, they can lead to blindness. Surgical removal is a simple yet effective procedure that helps treat cataracts.

For more on your risk of developing cataracts, visit Perceptions Eye Health & Wellness at our Southport, North Carolina office. Call (910) 400-1215 to schedule an appointment today.