5 Causes of Cataracts & How to Treat Them
Cataracts are one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide, affecting millions of people every year. It is a prevalent eye disease that occurs when the natural lens of the eye becomes opaque, resulting in blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and night blindness. Even though cataracts are generally associated with old age, there are several other factors that contribute to their development. Understanding such causes is important for prevention and treatment at the early stages. Fortunately, advances in treatments have made it possible to restore clear eyesight effectively. The following are five key causes of cataracts and the optimal ways of treating them.
1. Aging and Natural Eye Changes
As a person grows older, the proteins in the eye lens begin to deteriorate and group together, creating cloudy patches that affect vision. This slow progression is the most common reason for cataracts, typically in individuals over age 60. While aging cannot be prevented, there are lifestyle changes that can retard the progression of cataracts. Shifting to an antioxidant-based diet, proper hydration, and protecting the eyes from excessive sun exposure can keep the eyes healthy. When cataracts start affecting daily activities, surgery to remove them is the optimal solution, offering a long-term solution for clearer vision.
2. UV Exposure and Sun Damage
Repeated exposure of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays accelerates cataract development. The UV light ruins the lens proteins of the eye, causing faster clouding and impairing the quality of vision. People who spend a lot of time outdoors without proper eye protection are at greater risk. To avoid the destructive effect of UV light, wearing good-quality sunglasses that filter out UV radiation and broad hats will shield eyes from direct sun. If cataracts already exist due to sun damage, surgery is the optimal treatment and still entails replacing the opacified lens with an artificial one that is clear.
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3. Diabetes and Blood Sugar Imbalances
Untreated diabetes is a significant risk factor for cataracts due to the effect of high blood sugar on the eye lens. High levels of glucose can cause swelling and alterations in the lens structure, causing clouding with time. Among the numerous etiologies of cataracts, diabetes cataracts are likely to develop earlier in life compared to age-related cataracts. Management of blood sugar through diet, exercise, and medication can reduce the risk of cataract development. When cataracts progress to vision loss, the first-line therapy is surgery for the restoration of clear vision and improvement in overall well-being.
4. Steroid Medication Long-Term
Corticosteroids, commonly used in the treatment of inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, asthma, and autoimmune disorders, increase the likelihood of cataract formation when used over a long period of time. These medicines affect the ability of the eye to view clearly by altering the chemical makeup of the lens. While steroids may be necessary for the treatment of certain diseases, their use must be carefully regulated. Regular eye examinations are essential for those on long-term steroid therapy to detect early signs of cataracts. When cataracts are firmly established, surgery is the best remedy to remove the opaque lens and achieve clear vision.
5. Trauma and Eye Injuries
Physical eye trauma resulting from an accident, sports, or during surgery may lead to the development of cataracts. Penetrating trauma or blunt trauma may damage the lens structure through causing clouding and loss of vision. In some cases, cataracts develop immediately following an injury, whereas in others they develop over a long period of time. Eye protection during dangerous work can also prevent eye injury. If cataracts are caused by an injury, their treatment is unpredictable based on the extent but is normally necessitated by surgical excision in order to regain complete vision.
Conclusion
Cataracts can have a significant impact on daily life, but with cause awareness, prevention is easier, and early intervention can be accessed with ease. Even though some factors, such as aging, cannot be prevented, maintaining medical conditions in control, avoiding eyes from exposure to ultraviolet rays, and adopting a balanced lifestyle can reduce the risk. In patients who have symptoms of cataracts, existing methods of surgery are a safe and effective means to obtain clear vision. Regular eye examinations and preventative eye care are still the best options to preserve vision and assist long-term vision.