An eye cataract is the clouding over of the natural lens of
the eye, and is the most frequent cause of sight loss in those over the age of
40 and the primary reason for blindness throughout the world.
There are different types of eye cataracts, including:
Subcapsular Cataract
This occurs at the back of the lens, with those people
suffering from diabetes or those taking high steroid medication doses at higher
risk.
Nuclear Cataract
This type forms at the centre, or nucleus of the lens, and
is normally linked to ageing.
Cortical Cataract
Typically white, these usually start at the edge of the lens
and work their way into the centre, giving a spoke-like appearance. This type
usually occurs in the area of the lens that surrounds the nucleus, which is
called the lens cortex.
Eye Cataract Symptoms
At first, a cataract may have very little effect on vision,
but a first sign could be a blurring of vision, similar to looking through
cloudy glass. Sunlight or lamplight may seem to be excessively bright, colour
may be duller, and when night driving, the glare from oncoming headlights may
be increased.
If eye cataracts are suspected, an eye examination should be
undertaken for confirmation. Other than ageing, there are other risk factors
for the development of eye cataracts including:
-Diabetes
-Obesity
-Smoking
-Hypertension
-Alcohol consumption
-Prolonged steroid medication use
-Family history
This list is by no means complete, but what is clear is that
lifestyle changes can be of great benefit for many eye problems, ranging from
eye floaters to eye cataracts.
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