Cataracts: 8 Things You Should Know About It

When people talk about cataracts, or cataracts, you probably think of things like “vision problems” and “old people”. This is not surprising, because it is estimated that half of the population that reaches the age of 80 will develop cataracts.

But this is not the end of the story.

Did you know that  you can start noticing the first symptoms in your 40s? At the age of 60, your vision is most affected. If you are approaching 40 or have passed that mark, you should read today’s article and learn a little more about cataracts.

1. Cataracts do not form over the eye

The first thing you need to know about cataracts is that they do not form over the eye. Most people associate this problem with a thin layer on top of the lens of the eye.

The reality is that they form inside the eye, and the distorted vision occurs when proteins that normally compress the lens are damaged.

This process is completely painless and you will not notice it until later months.  It can take months, or even years, and then you may already need surgery .

2. Age is not a risk factor

Another thing you should know about cataracts is that your age is not a determining factor in its appearance. Although it is true that it most often occurs among the elderly, anyone can develop this problem.

The most vulnerable are those who:

• Have had eye surgery
• Have trouble glaucoma (glaucoma)
• Is exposed to sunlight without wearing protective lenses

There are also cases of congenital cataracts, or babies born with them. This can happen due to infection or developmental problems related to lack of nutrients during pregnancy.

Symptoms of cataracts

Although glaucoma develops very slowly, you can recognize some of the symptoms in less advanced stages if you pay close attention .

These symptoms are:

• Foggy or blurred vision
• A loss of peripheral vision – this means that it is more and more difficult to see things that are not right in front of you

• Problems distinguishing between colors
• Problems seeing well at night
• Double vision
• Sudden changes in what glasses you must wear

4. Cataracts can affect only one eye

One thing you should also keep in mind about cataracts is that it can occur in just one eye. It is more common to develop “bilateral cataracts”, but some are only affected on one side.

This can happen when you suffer an injury to one eye. Therefore, it is always wise to take a trip to an ophthalmologist when you have had some kind of incident or accident around your eyes.

The odds are that you do not feel uncomfortable the moment it happens. In addition, it can take a few years before you realize that you suddenly can not see so well anymore.

5. Your vision is affected in different ways

It is generally believed that the existence of cataracts implies an inability to see well. There are patients who develop this disease and have perfectly fine eyesight, but the only difference is that light affects them more than other people.

Others may have problems when there is little light or at night, but in natural light they see well.

One thing you should know about cataracts is that they are not all the same.

6. Surgery is not always necessary

For those who begin to have problems with cataracts, less intrusive treatments may be enough. You can spend years without the need for surgery and without risking any more problems associated with them.

It is important to talk to your doctor and assess whether the damage you are seeing now due to cataracts is affecting your daily life.

Based on that, you can make the best decision. You may find that all you need are some medication and regular visits to the eye doctor.

7. Cataract surgery is common and safe

It is normal to feel a little panicked or scared when your doctor tells you that you have cataracts and the best procedure is surgery. If this is the case with you and you are in doubt, you should know that it is one of the most common and safe procedures available.

There is currently a 96% chance of success with this procedure, a statistic that makes it one of the safest medical interventions. The operation requires only local anesthesia and a small incision. No stitches are required.

The surgeon will remove the natural lens from the eye, clean it of accumulated residue and implant a new lens. The procedure takes 15 to 20 minutes, and in a few hours you will be home again.

After the operation, you must wear eye protection, and you will not be able to drive or perform much physical activity for a few weeks.

You will notice that your vision is clearer the day after the operation, and within the next four weeks you will restore your normal vision completely. You can look better than ever!

8. The best way to prevent cataracts is to visit an ophthalmologist

You should see your eye doctor at least once a year to prevent the occurrence of cataracts and other eye problems.

During the visit, you can mention if you have noticed any of the symptoms above. They will tell you if you have a specific problem or if there are any signs of cataracts and what to do to slow them down.