Cataract symptoms, causes and best treatment options to protect your eye lens
Cataract is the development of lens opacity, either congenital or age-related. Causes include genetics, maternal factors, UV exposure, poor diet, smoking, and diabetes. Symptoms include glare, double vision, halos, and gradual painless vision loss.
Structure and function of the lens The lens in your eyes is a transparent structure, biconcave in shape, and has a diameter of about 9-10 millimetres. The lens is avascular (no blood supply), and hence remains clear and transparent. Glucose is highly essential for the normal functioning of the lens, and is metabolised by various pathways (Images: Canva)
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Origin of the term cataract The word ‘cataract’ is derived from a Greek word ‘katarraktes’, which means waterfall. However, now the term cataract refers to the development of any opacity in the lens, or the capsule of lens. Cataract might either be congenital (present since birth), or develop due to a degenerative process.
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Genetic and inherited causes There are many causes that can lead to cataract, and one third of the congenital ones are hereditary. Chromosomal disorders, like Down syndrome, problems in the renal system, and skeletal disorders can all result in the development of cataract (in case of inherited disorders).
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Maternal factors Maternal factors also influence the occurrence of cataract. Malnutrition during pregnancy, maternal infections like rubella, and ingestion of drugs like thalidomide or corticosteroids during the period of ingestion. Radiation exposure when a woman is pregnant can lead to congenital cataracts.
Age-related cataract Age related cataract, also known as senile cataract, is one of the most common type of acquired cataracts. People above the age of fifty years are more likely to develop cataract, and it often occurs in both eyes. A greater prevalence has been noted in women than men.
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Environmental and dietary influences Excessive exposure to ultraviolet irradiation from sunlight, and a diet deficient in certain proteins, amino acids, and vitamins like vitamin A, C and E can also influence whether the person will have cataract. It has also been found that there might be a connection of cataract with a prior episodes of severe dehydration.
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Smoking and cataract Smoking has also been reported to have some effect on the age when cataract begins to develop. Increased frequency of nuclear cataract is seen in those who smoke. It is necessary to learn to curb the nicotine, and ask for help if necessary. The cyanates present in smoke also play a role.
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Cataract in diabetes mellitus Age-related cataract has been seen to occur earlier in people who have diabetes mellitus, and nuclear cataract is more common. The affected individual may experience a glare, or an intolerance to bright light. The amount of glare may depend on the size of the opacity.
Visual symptoms Doubling of vision is also a feature of catarct, and it is one of the earliest symptoms to occur. Coloured halos may be seen around white light, which are seen because of the breaking of white light into the coloured spectrum. Stationary black spots may also be seen.
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Progression and management Deterioration of vision is often painless and gradually progressive in nature. In people who have central opacities, vision becomes better in the evening, as the pupil dilates in dim light. Adequate control of diabetes mellitus and removal of irradiation are conservative methods. Surgery may be needed in most cases (Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis)
Rajeshwaari Kalla is a freelance health and wellness writer
