A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. It can be compared to a window that is frosted or yellowed. The amount and pattern of cloudiness within the lens can vary.
If the cloudiness is not near the center of the lens, you may not be aware that a cataract is present. There are many misconceptions about cataract. Cataract is not a film over the eye nor is it caused by overusing the eyes. It cannot spread from one eye to the other or cause irreversible blindness. Common symptoms of cataract include painless blurring of vision, glare or light sensitivity, poor night vision, double vision in one eye, needing brighter light to read and fading or yellowing of colors.
What causes cataract?
The most common type of cataract is related to aging of the eye. Some causes of cataract include family history, medical problems (such as diabetes), injury to the eye, medications (especially steroids), radiation, long-term unprotected exposure to sunlight, previous eye surgery and unknown factors.
How fast does a cataract develop?
How quickly the cataract develops varies among individuals and may even be different between the two eyes. Most age-related cataracts progress gradually over a period of years. Other cataracts, especially in younger people and people with diabetes, may progress rapidly over a short period of time. It is not possible to predict exactly how fast cataracts will develop in any given person.
How is cataract treated?
Surgery is the only way a cataract can be removed. However, if symptoms of cataract are not bothering you very much, surgery may not be needed. Sometimes a simple change in your eyeglass prescription may be helpful. Protection from excessive sunlight may help slow the progression of cataracts. Sunglasses that screen out ultraviolet (UV) light rays or regular eyeglasses with a clear, anti-UV coating offer this protection.
Look for the continuation of this article in the June issue of The Magazine of Santa Clarita.
For more information, please call Dr. Douglas Engh at 661-253-5000.