Cataracts are one of the most common eye diseases and a leading cause of vision loss worldwide. Here, Dr. Allen from The Doctor Eye Health Show on YouTube shares insights to help people better understand cataracts, their impact, and the steps for treatment.

What are Cataracts?

Cataracts occur when the crystalline lens of the eye, which is usually clear, becomes cloudy. The cloudiness is a film made up of proteins that break down then clump together, preventing light from properly focusing on the retina. This leads to impaired vision.

What Are the Symptoms of Cataracts?

The most common symptom, Allen says, is a gradual worsening of vision. This may manifest as frequent changes in prescription glasses or contact lenses, or persistent blurred vision that cannot be corrected with lenses.

Other usual symptoms include:

• Glare and light sensitivity. Individuals often experience significant glare from bright lights, especially while driving at night.
• Color perception changes. Colors may appear duller or more yellowed, a change often noticed after one eye has been treated while the other still has a cataract.

What Causes Cataracts?

A significant proportion of cataract cases are hereditary, however your risk of developing cataracts can also be heavily influenced by environmental factors and older age.

• Environmental factors. Smoking, alcohol consumption, high blood sugar, and prolonged use of corticosteroids can increase the risk of developing cataracts.
• Age. The likelihood of developing cataracts increases with age, affecting most people in their 60s, 70s, and 80s.
• Trauma. Traumatic cataracts can result from either blunt force or sharp object penetrating the lens.
• Medication use. Studies show that toxic cataracts, caused by certain medications such as statins, may interfere with cell regeneration in the optical lens. 

How Are Cataracts Treated?

The primary treatment for cataracts is surgery, which involves surgical removal of the cloudy lens and replacement with an artificial lens. This surgery, Dr. Allen says, is safe, efficient, and can also correct refractive errors like nearsightedness or farsightedness.

Your eye doctor will typically discuss eye surgery with you when:

• Your vision has deteriorated. Surgery is typically considered when cataracts significantly impair vision, preventing clear sight even with the best corrective lenses.
• Your quality of life is negatively affected. When cataracts cause severe glare or other symptoms that affect daily life, surgery may be recommended even if vision tests still show 20/20 vision.
• You have increased risk. In some cases, cataract surgery may be suggested earlier if there is an increased risk of complications like glaucoma.

Your eye doctor can help you understand the types of lens implants available, and prepare for both your cataract surgery and recovery. 

*Allen, J. (Doctor Eye Health). 2022, April 21). Cataracts Explained Simply – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rp9JOqJ3dew. 

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