Cataract is clouding (transparent lens of eye becomes opaque) of lens inside eye which may lead to gradual diminution of vision. The word cataract is derived from Latin word of “cataracta” meaning waterfall.
If you have cataract your vision in affected eye will gradually diminish and your vision will feel like you are looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. Cataract is the most common cause of blindness throughout the world. As the lens become opaque it obstruct light from passing through and getting focused on retina. Cataract generally develops slowly (hence, there is gradual loss of vision). Initially bright light and reading glasses can be helpful, but as the disease progresses, glasses and bright light may not be helpful.
If you are suffering from cataract you may have difficulty in performing some routine activities normally such as reading, driving a car (especially at night), getting clear vision of an object etc. If you are facing any such problems, it is time to get your cataract treated, which is most commonly treated surgically.
What are symptoms of cataract?
Due to development of opacity in lens, clear vision of visual acuity is disturbed. Initially only small part of lens may be affected and you may not be aware of the visual problem, but when cloudiness develops over most of the lens, visual problems start. The visual problems of cataract are:
Blurred, dim or cloudy vision.
“Halo” around light.
Difficulty in night vision.
Fading of colors or yellowing of colors.
Light sensitivity
Diplopia or double vision
Need to change eyeglasses or contact lenses frequently.
A patient of cataract may not experience all the vision problems described above. A cataract patient may have combination of a few symptoms described above.
When to see a doctor?
If you notice any of the vision problem described above, get an appointment with your doctor (ophthalmologist or ophthalmic surgeon).
Conclusion:
Cataract is a serious problem and it is a type of eye disorder. It is the leading cause of vision loss among the elderly. It is a clouding of the lens inside the eye. The lens helps focus light onto the retina at the back of the eye. The lens is normally clear and lets light pass through it. But when cataract forms, the lens becomes cloudy, causing vision loss. In this blog, we discuss the symptom of cataracts and when to see your doctor.
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