With increasing age, wisdom increases and vision decreases. This may not sound that unpleasant to many but the experience of compromised vision is awful for the people in advanced age groups.
The most common cause of this visual handicap is the cataract. It leads to the highest number of blinding cases globally. As per National Eye Institute survey, the cases of cataract blinding are on a steady rise. In the year 2000, there were 20.48 million people suffering from cataract in the us alone. This figure has risen by a whopping 20% in a decade taking the total to 24.41 million people in 2010. As per future projections around 50 million people would be suffering from cataract blindness by the year 2050.
Cataract- the silent enemy
Cataract in the eyes develops and progresses silently. Slowly and gradually with the advancing age, people start facing problems in visibility. The lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque. The problem begins with a blurry or foggy vision and the visibility deteriorates with time.
The biggest reason people do not pay attention towards it is that usually the cataract is painless and causes no discomfort to the victims. People just keep changing their eye-glasses for getting better vision and the cataract keeps expanding its reign in the eyes.
It is very important that patients familiarize themselves with the cataract symptoms. If people start seeking early cataract treatment, its impact will be low.
Symptoms of cataract
Cataract leads to cloudy or foggy vision. If you are facing problems in seeing things or the colors don’t look as bright as they should then it is the time you visited an ophthalmologist. Cortical cataract is one of the most common types of cataract where the patients have an opaque white layer on their lens. Others may not be so easy to spot.
The patients may even see dots or their field of vision may also get partially obstructed. Facing problem in seeing things in dim lights is also a sign of cataract onset.
The reading becomes difficult. The patient may even start facing problems in doing usual tasks like watching the TV or identifying traffic signal lights.
People at high risk of cataract
Cataract is generally associated with old age but it can occur in younger patients too. However, the following are at the high risk of getting a cataract in their eyes.
Seniors: probability of getting cataract is higher in senior people.
Diabetic: diabetic patients are very likely to get a cataract in their eyes as diabetes has a direct effect on the eyes of its victims. Diabetic eye problems are very common and it is important that such patients remain very cautious. The chance of losing vision at an early age is very high for them.
People with long-term exposure to bright sunlight: the people with prolonged exposure to direct sunlight are at high risk. If it is an occupational compulsion then you must wear sunglasses or protective eyewear.
Diagnosis
An eye doctor can easily detect if cataract development has started in your eyes or not. Various tests like the visual acuity test, fundus check, slit lamp examination, tonometry, etc. Can help in diagnosing the actual condition of your eye. Early cataract detection can help in reducing and delaying its impact. If the doctor feels that the condition has already deteriorated then cataract surgery would be advised.
Laser cataract surgery
Cataract removal surgery is one of the most effective solutions for cataract problems. It is swift, painless and has great success result. The patient will have an improved vision and with proper care, better vision can be maintained for longer.
New laser technology makes it very convenient and effective. The patients can return home the same day and lead a normal life. If you are also facing problems in vision then now is the time to consult your eye doctor.
