When compared to the number of people that are affected by cataracts there is very little known about this medical problem. If cataracts are not treated right away that can easily lead to a significant decrease in a person’s vision. There is a rather routine and efficient cure for cataracts though that can restore sight through an operation that is quite safe.
Cataracts can be defined as cloudy areas that take over the part of the eye that is usually very clear. This lens is the main part of the eye that allows for sight and gives the eye the ability to focus on objects. When a cataract gets in the way of this lens it becomes extremely difficult to see objects that are both far away and near.
This condition affects people that are in the later stages of life and one in three senior citizens is affected by cataracts at some point. It is a normal process of aging for the eyes to cloud over and the lens within to harden. This issue can also be caused by other illnesses such as diabetes or even eye trauma. In some cases babies can be born with cataracts but it is far more common in adults that are further on in their life cycle. Some people falsely believe that using your eyes when cataracts begin to form will worsen the condition but this is simply not the truth.
The symptoms of cataracts are usually quite constant and begin with blurred vision. When the eyes encounter situations that are especially bright, such as stepping out into the sun on a hot day, someone who suffers from cataracts may be prone to a glazed over feeling. Often times, cataracts can also take away the ability for someone to see colors or distinguish the difference between certain objects.
When it comes to treatment, surgery to remove the lens from the eye is the most common. This procedure is usually done only when the cataracts have seriously begin to limit a person’s vision and usually as a last resort. When someone begins to have extreme difficulty reading or driving then the surgery is chosen as the preferred treatment. It is a proven method that offers little to no side effects and there is no inherent danger. The process does not even require the patient to be put to sleep and can be performed under local anesthetic. The patient will feel no pain but can stay awake for the entire surgery without any problems. The process actually only takes about twenty minutes and can be done without the patient suffering from any severe side effects.
While there are some possible side effects such as infection, simple eye drops taken after the surgery to ensure that the entire process is completely quite easily and safely. Many people have and will suffer from cataracts but it is not a debilitating illness and can be treated without much of a problem at all.
© Insider Health
Cataracts can be defined as cloudy areas that take over the part of the eye that is usually very clear. This lens is the main part of the eye that allows for sight and gives the eye the ability to focus on objects. When a cataract gets in the way of this lens it becomes extremely difficult to see objects that are both far away and near.
This condition affects people that are in the later stages of life and one in three senior citizens is affected by cataracts at some point. It is a normal process of aging for the eyes to cloud over and the lens within to harden. This issue can also be caused by other illnesses such as diabetes or even eye trauma. In some cases babies can be born with cataracts but it is far more common in adults that are further on in their life cycle. Some people falsely believe that using your eyes when cataracts begin to form will worsen the condition but this is simply not the truth.
The symptoms of cataracts are usually quite constant and begin with blurred vision. When the eyes encounter situations that are especially bright, such as stepping out into the sun on a hot day, someone who suffers from cataracts may be prone to a glazed over feeling. Often times, cataracts can also take away the ability for someone to see colors or distinguish the difference between certain objects.
When it comes to treatment, surgery to remove the lens from the eye is the most common. This procedure is usually done only when the cataracts have seriously begin to limit a person’s vision and usually as a last resort. When someone begins to have extreme difficulty reading or driving then the surgery is chosen as the preferred treatment. It is a proven method that offers little to no side effects and there is no inherent danger. The process does not even require the patient to be put to sleep and can be performed under local anesthetic. The patient will feel no pain but can stay awake for the entire surgery without any problems. The process actually only takes about twenty minutes and can be done without the patient suffering from any severe side effects.
While there are some possible side effects such as infection, simple eye drops taken after the surgery to ensure that the entire process is completely quite easily and safely. Many people have and will suffer from cataracts but it is not a debilitating illness and can be treated without much of a problem at all.
© Insider Health
