Cataract

A cataract, according to the World Health Organization, is the clouding of the lens of the eye, which impedes the passage of light. Most cataracts are related to aging, although occasionally children may be born with the condition, or cataract may develop after an injury or disease.

According to the latest assessment, cataract is responsible for 51% of world blindness. It remains the leading cause of blindness. As people in the world live longer, the number of people with cataract is anticipated to grow.

Symptoms

Symptoms, according to Dr. Don Powell, are:

• Cloudy, fuzzy, foggy or filmy vision;
• Colors are dull and more difficult to distinguish;
• Glare from lights becomes bothersome, especially at night;
• Glasses that were worn for close work are no longer needed. (This phenomenon is referred to as “second sight.”)

Causes

The exact cause of cataracts is still unknown, though experts believe that oxidative stress damages certain enzymes and proteins in the eye's natural lens, which causes the lens to become cloudy.

The most common cause of cataracts is the aging process. Other causes are:

• Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light;
• Specific damage to an eye;
• Some diseases such as diabetes;
• Tobacco use and alcohol drinking.

Treatment and Prevention

Surgery is safe and effective in restoring vision. It can even be done on an outpatient basis or involve no more than an overnight hospital stay. After surgery, the patient usually gets an artificial lens. A plastic disc called an intraocular lens (IOL) is placed in the lens capsule inside the eye. 

If the loss of vision caused by cataract is only slight, surgery may not be needed.  Other measures to treat it are:

• A change in your glasses;
• Stronger bifocals or the use of magnifying lenses;
• Taking measures to reduce glare;
• Reduction of cigarette smoking;
• Following a healthy diet that includes colorful fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Antioxidant vitamins and phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables that may reduce the risk of cataracts include vitamins A, C and E, lutein and zeaxanthin.

Used with permission from A Year of Health Hints by Don R Powell, PHD and the American Institute for Preventive Medicine, copyright 2010. www.healthylife.com