Diagnosis of Cataracts

Cataracts are the presence of a cloudy area on the lens of the eye. The condition is not painful but does cause vision limitations. A cataract is formed when a lump of protein creates a cloudy area on the lens and blocks light from passing to the retina. This limits the ability of eye nerves to send messages to the brain for vision.

Symptoms

• Cataract symptoms include cloudy and fuzzy vision, difficulty with night driving, and excess glare from lights or the sun. The presence of double vision is a symptom for some people along with second vision, which is a short-term correction of nearsightedness as the cataract changes the lens shape.

Causes

• Cataracts are a common ailment associated with age, but there are other causes. Medical causes of cataracts are diabetes or diseases of the eye such as glaucoma or retinal detachment. Cataracts also are caused by excess exposure to harmful UV lights and radiation from tanning and the sun, or by X-rays and radiation treatments to the head area. Using steroid medication long term is a possible cause of cataracts. The growth of cataracts is also genetic and people can be born with them.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosing a cataract is based on an evaluation of family history and an eye examination. In addition to vision tests, tonometry testing involves testing the pressure inside the eye to check for glaucoma. Ophthalmoscopy testing allows a physician to view the back side of the eye including the retina and cornea to rule out other vision problems. All vision ailments must be ruled out during the exams to validate that a cataract is the cause of the vision problem.

Treatment

• The only treatment for cataracts is surgery to repair the vision loss. The surgery involves removing the clouded lens from the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens. In some cases, the lens is removed from the eye and not replaced. Contact lenses or glasses are used to compensate for the missing lens. Surgery is not always needed immediately and some people delay it for up to several years if they find that vision aids are adequate. The choice of when to have surgery depends on whether the cataract is affecting quality of life and daily functions.

Prevention

• While there is no proof that cataracts can be prevented, changes in lifestyle habits will assist in lowering the chances or slowing the process. Do not smoke and limit the amount of alcohol consumed. Avoid or limit the use of steroid medications unless it is necessary. Wearing eye protection or a hat that shields the eyes when in the sun or bright light will limit UV radiation exposure. Stay on track with diabetes treatment to prevent medical complications, including cataracts. Research is being conducted on the effectiveness of vitamins C and E on eye health. Eating a diet rich in these vitamins, found in fresh fruits and vegetables, may prevent cataracts.