Importance of Cataract Evaluation and Its Management

What are cataracts?
Have you ever noticed a cloudy spot on the lens of the eye of someone? They may have cataracts. These cloudy spots impair vision. They are common in people above the age of 65.

What causes them?
They occur because of the buildup or accumulation of protein in the lens of the eye. This is what gives the lens that cloudy appearance. This accumulated protein prevents light from passing through the lens. The result is a loss or impairment of vision. The proteins that accumulate on the lens result from the older cells of the lens compacted into the center of the lens as new cells form on the outside of the lens.

Different types
There are different types of cataracts. These categories base on the cause of the development of the condition.

Congenital
These occur in babies who are born with the condition. This may be a result of injury, infection or poor development. Some children develop the condition as they grow up too.

Age-related
This is the most common type. It is the result of aging.

Traumatic
This is the result of injuries to the eyes.

Secondary
These are the result of other medical conditions including diabetes. They can also develop because of exposure to various toxic substances as well as drugs such as diuretics. Some people develop the condition due to exposure to radiation or ultraviolet light.

Common symptoms
It is important to visit a vision care clinic for cataract evaluation if you have any of the following symptoms:

Cloudy, foggy, blurry or filmy vision
Increased nearsightedness with the progression of age
Problems with glare from approaching vehicles making it difficult to drive at night
Problems with glare in the day time
Change in the perception of color

Seeing superimposed images (double vision)
The need to change prescription of eyeglasses more often
It is important to have a complete cataract evaluation to ensure that you get early diagnosis. The doctor will check for the above symptoms by asking you questions, observing your eyes and testing your eyesight. They will also dilate your pupils. This will enable them to examine the lens and other parts of the eye.

Management
This management of the condition depends on how far the condition as progressed.
For some people, it is manageable by simply changing the prescription of their eyeglasses or prescribing eyeglasses if they did not have any before. This is often the first option.

It the above remedy cannot work, you will have to have your cloudy eye lens replaced with an artificial one. You can visit a vision care clinic to have this done as an outpatient surgical procedure.
It is important to talk to a doctor to determine the right treatment for you.