A Cloudy Vision May Mean Cataracts
It is of the utmost importance that everyone sees an ophthalmologist on a regular basis, even if they do not experience pain or discomfort in their eyes. The lack of complaints of soreness, irritation, excessive tearing, or burning sensations does not mean that a pair of baby-blues is healthy, or its vision is not changing- gradually, but steadily.
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens (crystalline), which sits behind the colored part of the eye (the iris) and the pupil. The lens works much like a camera lens, centering light onto the retina at the back of the eye, and adjusting its focus as needed. This process lets us see things clearly, both up close and far away. The retina, or the nerve layer that lines the back of the eye, will transform the light to a neurological signal that is sent to the brain, which in turn will interpret it as vision.
Cataract development is usually a very gradual process of normal aging, but can occasionally occur earlier in life and/or progress quickly. Factors that may lead to early development of cataracts include excessive ultraviolet-light exposure, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, or the use of certain medications. Exposure to some types of radiation (microwave, cosmic) can also cause cataracts.
Cataracts are classified as one of three types:
• A cortical cataract begins as whitish, wedge-shaped opacities or streaks on the outer edge of the lens cortex, then gradually extends its spokes from the outside of the lens to the center. It may cause problems with glare and may develop faster in diabetics.
• A nuclear cataract is most commonly seen as it develops. It forms in the nucleus, the center of the lens, which may even turn brown. It is due to natural aging changes.
• A subcapsular cataract starts as a small, opaque area just under the capsule of the lens, and usually starts at the back of the lens. People with diabetes, high farsightedness, retinitis pigmentosa, or those taking high doses of steroids may develop this type of cataract. A subcapsular cataract often interferes with reading vision, and may cause glare or halos around lights at night.
Cataracts can grow in one or both eyes. However, in most cases, except for those caused by trauma or injury, cataracts are inclined to develop symmetrically in both eyes, and may or may not affect the entire lens. When cataracts are detected, the doctor will evaluate the severity of the condition and decide on the best course of treatment. Many people can live with untreated cataracts, or may go years before they will need surgery to replace the cloudy lenses with clear ones. Cataracts cannot be cured by medications, dietary supplements, exercise or optical devices, and surgery is the only effective way to treat this type of deteriorated vision.
Can cataracts be prevented? Medical studies have suggested that vitamins C and E may lower the likelihood of cataract development, while smoking will increase it. Also, wearing sunglasses to block ultraviolet light (UVB) comes highly recommended.
Many people are unaware that they have cataracts because the changes in their vision have been so gradual. Then, one day, they suddenly realize that what they are seeing is really out of focus. Indeed, looking through a cloudy lens is like trying to view the world through a frosted or fogged-up window, making it difficult to properly read, drive a vehicle, or to observe the facial expressions of those we care about.
About the Author
Irida Sangemino is an international copywriter/journalist/editor with multiple interests, including health issues.
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