Does Everyone Get Cataracts? Key Facts You Need To Know
Cataracts are a problem that affects many people. But does everyone get cataracts? In this article, we will talk about what cataracts are, how they happen, the signs that you might have cataracts, and how doctors can help you. Let’s find out more!
What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts happen when the lens in your eye gets cloudy. This makes it hard to see clearly. The lens helps you focus, so when it’s cloudy, your vision becomes blurry. Cataracts can happen slowly over time.
What Is The Lens Of Your Eye?
The lens is the part of your eye that helps you see things clearly. It focuses light so you can see near and far. When a cataract forms, the lens gets cloudy. This makes it harder for you to see.
Does Everyone Get Cataracts?
Not everyone gets cataracts, but many people do as they get older. Most people start getting age-related cataracts in their 60s or 70s. But people may get them earlier because of things like health problems or injuries.
Cataracts In Babies And Children
Sometimes, babies or children can have cataracts, which is not so common. These cataracts are called congenital cataracts. They can happen if the baby gets sick before birth or if they have a family history of cataracts.
Signs Of Developing Cataracts
You might notice a few symptoms of cataracts. These can make it hard to see things clearly. Some signs are:
- Blurry Vision: Your natural lens might get blurry.
- Poor Night Vision: It might be hard to see at night or when there are bright lights.
- Double Vision: Some people might see two images instead of one.
- Glare: Bright lights might bother your eyes.
- Faded Colours: Colours may not look as bright as they did before.
How Do Cataracts Develop?
Cataract development happens in different stages. They start small, but over time, they can get bigger. The lens in your eye becomes cloudier, and it is harder for you to see.
The Stages Of Cataracts
Cataracts go through three main stages:
- Early Stage: In the beginning, you might not notice any problems.
- Middle Stage: The cataract grows, and your vision gets blurrier.
- Advanced Stage: When the cataract becomes big, it can block your vision completely.
Things That Can Increase Your Risk For Cataracts
Some things can make you more likely to get cataracts. These include:
- Family History: If someone in your family had cataracts, you might get them too.
- Too Much Sun: If you don’t wear sunglasses in the sun, it can increase your risk of cataracts.
- Smoking: Smoking can make cataracts form faster.
- Drinking Too Much Alcohol: Drinking a lot of alcohol can make cataracts happen sooner.
- Health Problems: People with health problems like diabetes may get cataracts earlier.
Types Of Cataracts
There are different types of cataracts, depending on where they form in your eye.
Nuclear Cataracts
These cataracts form in the middle of the lens. They happen with age and can make your vision blurry. They can also affect how you see close-up things.
Cortical Cataracts
These cataracts form around the edge of the lens. They can look like white lines or wedges. They might make bright lights harder to see.
Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts
These cataracts happen at the back of the lens. They can make your vision blurry, especially in bright light or when you are reading.
Traumatic Cataracts
Traumatic cataracts happen when your eye gets hurt. If something sharp or hard hits your eye, it can damage the lens. This damage can make a cataract form. Sometimes, the cataract shows up right after the injury, but it can also take a few years to appear.
How Are Cataracts Diagnosed?
If you notice any of the signs of cataracts, like blurry vision, it’s important to see a doctor. They will give you an eye exam to see if you have cataracts. The doctor might use eye drops to make your eyes bigger so they can look inside your eye. This is called a dilated eye exam.
Why Are Eye Exams Important?
Eye exams help doctors find cataracts and other problems early. If you have blurry vision, it is important to get an eye exam. The doctor can check your eyes and give you the right treatment.
How Are Cataracts Treated?
The main cataract treatment option is cataract surgery. This surgery is advanced and can help you see clearly again. The doctor takes out the clouded lens and puts in a new, clear intraocular lens. After surgery, you will usually feel better and see more clearly.
What Happens During Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is done with numbing eye drops. You will be awake, but your eyes will be numb. The surgery takes a few minutes, and you may go home the same day. You will need a little time to rest after surgery.
Can Cataracts Be Prevented?
You can’t always stop cataracts from happening, but you can do some things to lower your risk. Here are some tips:
- Wear Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the sun by wearing sunglasses.
- Eat Healthy Foods: Eating foods like leafy greens helps keep your eyes healthy.
- Don’t Smoke: Smoking can make cataracts happen sooner.
- Take Care of Health Problems: If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, take medicine and see a doctor.
Can Cataracts Be Treated Without Surgery?
In the early stages, you might be able to use stronger glasses or contact lenses to help with your vision. But if cataracts get worse, surgery is the best way to treat them.
Questions About Cataracts
Can I still drive if I have cataracts?
Cataracts can make it hard to see, especially at night, so it might not be safe to drive. If you’re having trouble seeing while driving, talk to your doctor.
Is cataract surgery safe?
Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgeries and helps many people see better. But, like any surgery, there are some risks.
How long does cataract surgery take?
Cataract surgery usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. After the surgery, you can go home the same day.
Is there anything I should avoid after cataract surgery?
After surgery, it’s important to avoid rubbing your eyes, swimming, or getting dirt in your eyes. Your doctor will give you instructions to help your eyes heal.
Can I develop cataracts again after surgery?
Cataracts do not come back after surgery, but you may get secondary cataracts. These are not real cataracts and can be treated with a quick laser.
Final Remarks
Cataracts are a common eye problem, especially as we get older. Not everyone gets cataracts, but many do. If you have blurry vision or other problems with your eyesight, it’s important to visit a doctor. Cataract surgery is a good way to treat cataracts and can help you see more clearly.
If you think you might have cataracts or have trouble seeing clearly, we’re here in Melbourne to help! Contact Armadale Eye Clinic today at (03) 9070 5753 to book an appointment. We will help you get the care you need.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second
opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Sources:
Healthdirect Australia 2024. Cataracts. Healthdirect. Available at: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cataracts [Accessed November 12, 2024]
Mayo Clinic Staff 2023. Cataracts – Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353790 [Accessed November 12, 2024]
Mintz J 2022. How to Diagnose and Treat Cataracts. WebMD. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/cataracts/diagnose-treat-cataracts [Accessed November 12, 2024]
NHS 2021. Cataract surgery. nhs.uk. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cataract-surgery/ [Accessed November 12, 2024]
Okoye G S & Gurnani B 2023. Traumatic Cataract. StatPearls Publishing. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK594251/ [Accessed November 12, 2024]
Shiels A & Hejtmancik J Fielding 2021. Inherited Cataracts: Genetic Mechanisms and Pathways New and Old. Experimental Eye Research 209, 108662. 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108662
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