Among the many eye conditions that people are predisposed to having, cataracts are one of the most well-known out there. It is the condition wherein the affected patient experiences cloudy vision, the cause of which is mainly connected to natural aging. However did you know that not only aging people are at risk of developing cataracts? This knowledge has changed the ophthalmology landscape. Here, we discuss what a cataract is, the importance of regular eye specialist visits, and the treatment options available in Australia.
What Is Cataract: Risk Factors Aside From Age and Symptoms to Look Out For
Cataracts can cause cloudy vision. This happens when the protein in the lens of the eyes starts clumping together. Making it hard for the light to reach the thin layer of tissue at the back of the eye – or the retina, which is sensitive to light and thus disrupting one’s vision.
Cataracts only happen after some time. They start as a small portion of clouding in vision until they grow larger and more prominent. This can begin to affect your vision. Apart from age-related cataracts, here are other types of this eye condition and their predispositions:
Congenital Cataract
On the opposite end of age-related cataract is congenital cataract. It affects infants from birth or within their first year of life. Premature babies, infected infants, and ones with a family history of congenital cataracts are at the highest risk of developing this type of cataracts.
Traumatic Cataract
When an individual suffers from blunt or penetrating trauma to the natural eye lens, they will likely develop cloudy vision.
Apart from these predispositions, there are other risk factors for cataracts. These include having diabetes, excessive smoking or alcohol use, prolonged steroid use and unprotected exposure to UV rays. ,
Symptoms of Cataracts
Cataracts can have a rapid or slow onset. This is why it is crucial to visit your eye doctor regularly. Additionally, they can help you diagnose your cataracts promptly and recommend treatment options best suited to your needs and lifestyle factors.
Furthermore, Beyond cloudy vision, cataract symptoms are characterized by seeing faded colors. Difficulty seeing well at night, sensitivity to bright lights, and noticing haloes around lights.
Treatment for Cataract Patients
First things first, you have to visit your eye doctor. You may know what cataracts are, but it is not until you are officially checked that you can be sure you have it or that you don’t. When you are indeed diagnosed with the eye condition, depending on its severity, you will either be advised to observe further preventive measures or to undergo cataract surgery.
To date, surgery is the only medical procedure that can remove cataracts. In addition, the journey will be different for every patient; thus, you need to pair up with an eye doctor to ensure you will retain your vision for as long as possible.
At VisionFirst Surgery, we are committed to giving your eyes the care they need. We offer cataract surgery, eye injections, and other eye care services to help you stay on top of eye concerns. Finally, visit or contact us so we know how to help you better.
