Cataract

Cataract is a condition that causes clouding of the eye’s lens, resulting in blurred or distorted vision. The lens is a transparent, curved structure that focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye. Cataracts occur when proteins in the lens clump together and cause it to become cloudy. This can affect how much light is focused into the eye and how well you can see. Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss in adults over the age of 40, and they affect more than 24 million people in the United States alone.

What happens when Cataract occurs?

Cataracts cause vision to become increasingly blurred or distorted. There may be a decrease in color saturation or contrast, double vision, halos or glare around lights, and difficulty seeing at night. If the cataract becomes severe, it can cause total blindness in the affected eye.

Which treatments are available for Cataract?

The only way to treat cataracts is to surgically remove the affected lens and replace it with an artificial one. This is a relatively safe and straightforward procedure that is usually performed on an outpatient basis. The surgery typically takes less than half an hour and is done under local anesthesia. The procedure involves making a small incision in the eye and removing the damaged lens, then inserting an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) in its place.

What exams can detect Cataract?

Cataracts can be detected during a comprehensive eye exam. Your optometrist or ophthalmologist will use a slit lamp to observe the lens and check for signs of clouding. They may also use a technique called retinoscopy to measure how much light is passing through the lens. Additional tests, such as a visual acuity test and a contrast sensitivity test, may also be performed to assess the severity of the cataract.

What are the causes for Cataract?

The exact cause of cataracts is unknown. However, there are several risk factors that can increase your chances of developing cataracts. These include age, smoking, excessive ultraviolet light exposure, diabetes, certain medications, eye surgery, and other diseases.

What research about Cataract exists?

Researchers are continually working to better understand cataracts and develop new treatments. Scientists have developed new IOLs that can correct astigmatism and presbyopia, as well as new surgical techniques that make the procedure safer.

Cataract research focuses on understanding the causes, prevention, and treatment of this sight-threatening condition. Research studies have identified risk factors for cataract development, developed new surgical techniques and technologies, and identified potential treatments, such as nutritional supplements and medications.

Researchers are continuing to investigate the role of genetics in cataract development, as well as the role of environmental factors, such as ultraviolet radiation and smoking. Clinical trials are ongoing to evaluate the safety and efficacy of new medications for the treatment of cataracts.