Cataracts

By Hazel Cameron

Cataracts are a very common eye disease that can cause cloudy vision, trouble seeing at night, double vision, and fading colors. Cataract is the term for an obstruction in the lens of an eye that prevents light from passing through to the brain. They can appear in the center of the lens (nuclear cataracts), the edges of the lens (cortical cataracts), or the back of the lens (posterior subcapsular cataracts), and they are almost always developed in both eyes, though not always at the same rate.

Over time, cataracts can develop into full blindness, and they are the leading causes of blindness. Cataracts can be passed down through genetics; however, the main cause of them is aging. There are many ways to decrease the chances of developing one. Avoiding smoking and alcohol will help, as will keeping a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables that provide antioxidants to keep the eyes healthy, as well as wearing sunglasses frequently to protect the eyes from the sun. Past eye surgery or a past eye injury can also increase the risk of development. The best way to prevent a cataract from becoming a debilitating issue is to have regular eye exams. Somebody with cataracts can improve their vision by wearing glasses or using better lighting, but if it becomes more serious, they may need surgery as treatment. Cataract surgery is safe, and the procedure removes the damaged lens and replaces it with an artificial lens, which proves to be highly effective. If you start to have any changes in your vision, including blurry vision, double vision, flashes of light, eye pain, or headaches, schedule an appointment to see an eye doctor immediately.

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