1. Introductory remark
Cataracts are said to have formed in the eyes when there is opacity in the lens of the eyes. The lens that is located behind the pupil is naturally transparent. It performs the function of focusing light rays into images on the retina. When cataracts develop it blocks the passage of light through the lens which interferes with the image formation causing the vision to suffer.
2. Causes and treatment
Typically cataracts are traced to old age as they are known to dramatically increase as the age advances, but can also occur in other people suffering from metabolic disorders, heredity and or trauma. When they develop in the inner core of the lens, it is called nuclear cataracts; when it occurs in the outer section it acquires it is named as cortical cataracts and when cataracts grow surrounding the eyes it is known as posterior sub scapular cataracts.
Symptoms do not show up during early stages but as it advances vision tends to be impaired. Reading becomes difficult, sensitivity to light increases and when it reaches the most advanced stage, the color of the people starts changing from black to whitish or yellowish. In such cases, the vision gets so much affected that the patient is able to distinguish light from the dark.
3. Treatment
Surgery is the only option though it does not need emergent action. Most cataracts do not cause major problems and the surgery could be delayed so long the affected person’s ability to see does not get reduced significantly.
Early cataracts are amenable to treatment measures that include stronger eye glasses, using of magnifying glass, strong lighting and medication that dilates the pupil. In the early days, cataract surgeries were not performed until cataracts had reached a certain growth rate but ocular technologies have now advanced so much now a days surgery can be performed even when the cataracts are in the early stages.
4. Concluding remarks
One may be surprised to know that some cataracts after growing up to a certain point suddenly stop further growth. By the same token, although it is a rare occurrence yet in some people cataracts may warrant immediate surgery. Even when the growth takes place, it may be years before it becomes ripe for surgery.