This
web page was created for anyone who wants to learn more about the
development of cataracts in women, especially ones with a family
history. There is
information on how to prevent and protect one from cataracts and provides
additional links to cataract related websites. A first year undergraduate student at
the University
of Virginia made this for a seminar class (Be the Spider, Not the Web), so this is no means a replacement for professional
services. Any and all personal data
submitted to the site will be held in confidentiality. This page is intended for the average
women who have a history of cataracts the family. It will provide information on how to
protect their eyes and reduce the risk of cataracts.
What are cataracts?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens. Your eye lens
works like a camera lens, focusing light onto the retina t the back of
the eye. The lens also adjusts the eye's focus, allowing us to
see things clearly up close and far way.
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens.
Cataracts affect vision by scattering incoming light.
Three Types of Cataracts:
1. Nuclear Cataract:
- most common form
- forms in the nucleus of the lens
- due to natural aging changes
2. Cortical Cataract:
- forms in lens cortex
- gradually extends its spokes form the outside of the lens to center
- diabetics are known to be prone to developing cortical cataracts
3. Subcapsular Cataract
- forms at the back of the lens
- found in people with diabetes, high farsightedness, retinitis pigmentosa, taking high doses of steroids
Symptoms and Signs
A cataract starts out
small and has little effect on your vision at first. You may
notice that your vision is blurred a little, like you're looking though
a cloudy piece of glass. A cataract may make light from the sun
or a lamp seem too bright or glaring. You may notice that when
you drive at night and the oncoming headlights cause more glare than
before. Colors may not appear as bright as they once did.
The type of cataract you have will cause different symptoms. When
a nuclear cataracts first develops it can bring about a temporary
improvement in your near vision, called "second sight". However,
this improved sight is short-lived and will disappear. A
subcapsular cataract may not produce any symptoms until it is
well-developed.
If you think you have a cataract, consult an eye doctor for an exam.
What Causes a Cataract?
It is not certain what causes the eye's lens to
change as we age, but researchers are finding factors that may be
cause. Ultraviolet light is associated with the formation of
cataracts. A 2005 study in Iceland suggests that airline pilots
have a higher risk of developing nuclear cataract than non-pilots,
which might be caused by cosmic tradition. Astronauts could
potentially suffer from nuclear cataract as well.
People with diabetes are at a high risk of developing a cataract.
People who use steroids, diuretics, and major tranquilizers are
also at risk.
A diet high is sodium content could also increase your risk.
Some additional factors include: cigarette smoke, air pollution, heavy alcohol consumption.
Prevention
Get in the habit of wearing sunglasses and a brimmed hat to lessen your exposure.
A diet high in antioxidants, such as beta-carotene (vitamin A), selenium and vitamins C and E, could help.
Cataract Treatment
At first new glasses, strong bifocals, magnification,
appropriate lighting, and other visual aids will do the trick, but the
surgery is the real answer when your cataracts have seriously impaired
your vision.
A cataract surgery is actually quite simple and relatively painless.
Surgery proves to be very effective in restoring vision. Out of
the 1.5 million cataract surgeries done in the U.S. each year, 90% of
them regain very good vision, which is between 20/20 and 20/40.
The surgery will involve the removal of your clouded lens, which will
then most likely be replace with a clear, plastic intraocular lens
(IOL). Science is continuously helping innovate new IOLs to make
surgery less complicated and more helpful for patients.
If you wish to find additional information on Cataracts please click here!
Lynn's Cataract Blog
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