Monday 19 September 2011

Cataract Symptoms And Causes




Cataract Symptoms And Causes
Symptoms include blurry vision that is made worse when subjected to bright light (ie sunlight or bright headlights when driving). Light may seem to scatter or there may be halos (rings) around light sources.
Others will describe their symptoms as cloudy, fuzzy or foggy vision. Both eyes will typically be affected; however, it is not unusual for one eye to be worse than the other. Symptoms of cataracts tend to develop gradually but overall vision will continue to deteriorate if not treated and can lead to blindness.
Cataracts often occur with aging and are more common over 60 years of age. Risk increases with a family history of cataracts, hardening of arteries, diabetes mellitus, long term use of cortisone drugs, smoking, or exposure to radiation. Cataracts can be present in infants (congenital cataracts).
Cataract Diagnosis And Treatment
A person with cataracts will notice the symptoms listed above and these changes in vision should be reported to a physician or eye doctor. A person developing cataracts may require frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions. The evaluation may include a physical examination and ophthalmic (eye) examination such as a standard eye exam or slit lamp examination.
Surgical removal and replacement of the affected lens is necessary to restore normal vision. If a cataract is not interfering with normal daily activities, then surgery may not be considered necessary. In mild cases of cataracts, changing glasses or getting stronger bifocals may be sufficient to restore adequate vision.

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