Globally, cataracts are the leading cause of blindness, accounting for no less than 51% of all cases of blindness in the world, representing at least 20 million people. Furthermore, it is quite unfortunate that around 54 million people, most of whom are in developing countries, suffer from moderate to severe visual impairment as a result of cataracts. But what is a cataract? A cataract refers to the opacification or clouding of the eye’s lens that leads to vision loss as it becomes increasingly difficult, if not impossible, for light rays from objects in view to pass through the cloudy lens. before focusing on the retina at the back of the eye. . The lens of the eye is essentially made of lens protein and water and various factors can cause denaturation of that protein and lead to opacification or whitening of the lens much like how egg albumen turns white when boiled. Here are some essential facts you probably never knew about cataracts.
1. Older age is the most important risk factor for cataracts
Age-related or senile cataracts account for the majority of cataract cases. It is estimated that around 50% of people will have a cataract by the age of 65 and almost everyone over the age of 75 has a cataract, but why is this so? The natural lens of the eyes is made up of protein fibers arranged in such a way that it is crystalline and allows the passage of light. However, with increasing age, these proteins clump together and cloud small areas of the lens, making it difficult to see.
2. It is possible to be born with cataracts
Unfortunately, some babies are born with cataracts. This type is known as congenital cataracts. It can occur as a result of some infectious conditions in the mother during pregnancy such as rubella, chickenpox, syphilis, and cytomegalovirus, among other causes. Similarly, congenital cataracts can result from genetic disorders in Down syndrome (trisomy 21) and Turner syndrome (monosomy XO).
3. Cataracts cannot pass from one eye to the other
Some people are under the mistaken impression that cataracts can spread from one eye to the other. Scientifically, this is not true. However, cataracts can affect one or both eyes simultaneously or at different times.
4. Cataracts can manifest in several ways
If you have cataracts, you may notice a whitish area within the black of your eyeball. It is actually an opacified cataractous lens behind the dark iris of the eye. Other common symptoms include cloudy or blurry vision that can produce double or multiple images of the same object. Colors can appear washed out and glare is common, in which case the light sources appear too bright. Sometimes a halo or rainbow may appear around light sources.
5. Several risk factors can predispose to cataracts
Certain diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and malnutrition can make a person more likely to experience cataracts. In addition, dangerous habits such as excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can also contribute to cataract formation. Blunt trauma to the eye has also been shown to cause swelling, thickening, and whitening of the lens fibers, leading to cataracts. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation and steroid use can cause cataracts.
6. Cataract surgery is one of the most sophisticated surgeries in the world
If you experience significant vision impairment due to cataracts and it interferes with your daily activities, why not opt for cataract surgery and have your cataract lens removed and replaced with an intraocular lens? In well-equipped centres, these procedures have remarkably high success rates and the patient is usually able to go home the same day, although it is advised not to drive. Available surgical options include phacoemulsification, extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE), small incision cataract surgery (SICS), and intracapsular cataract extraction (ICCE).
7. You can reduce the risk of cataracts
A person is less likely to develop cataracts if they avoid risk factors such as excessive drinking, smoking, and exposure to ultraviolet light. For example, if you wear sunglasses with ultraviolet protection, you can slow down the development of cataracts. Similarly, regular consumption of fruits and vegetables rich in powerful antioxidants such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamins A, C, and E can reduce the risk of cataracts.