Cataract

Introduction

A cataract is a clouding in the lens of the eye, which changes the way light passes through the lens.

  • It usually develops slowly and may occur in one or both eyes.

Cataract



Risk Factors

Risk factors for cataracts include

  • Increasing age - the most common cause
  • Family history of cataracts
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Long-term sunlight exposure
  • Certain medical conditions, e.g. diabetes
  • Certain medicines, e.g. prednisolone



Symptoms

At first, you may not notice that you have a cataract. But over time, cataracts can cause symptoms such as

  • Cloudy, blurred or double vision
  • Fading or yellowing of colours
  • Poor night vision
  • Increased sensitivity to glare. A halo may appear around lights



Management

Initially, cataracts may be managed with

  • New spectacles,
  • Brighter lighting,
  • Anti-glare sunglasses and
  • Magnifying lenses for reading and other activities.

When cataract symptoms interferes with daily living activities, cataract surgery and placement of an intraocular lens should be considered.

  • Once a cataract is removed, it cannot grow back.
  • The artificial lens requires no care and can significantly improve vision.
  • People who have had cataract surgery may have their vision become hazy again years later. This is usually because the eye's capsule has become cloudy. Ophthalmologists can use a laser to open the cloudy capsule and restore clear vision. This is called a capsulotomy.



Supplements

The role of diet and antioxidant supplements has been studied with mixed conclusions.
  • A 2012 Cochrane Systematic Review of nine randomized controlled trials found no evidence to support high doses of vitamin E, vitamin C, or beta-carotene in preventing development or progression of cataract.
  • In a 2015 randomized clinical trial, neither selenium nor vitamin E supplementation appear to reduce incidence of age-related cataract in men >50 years old
  • A 2019 systematic review about the role of nutrient supplementation on lens pathology found that vitamin C, beta-carotene, and lutein and zeaxanthin had a protective effect against cataract, but this analysis included observational data.



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