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A description of cataracts: what they are, how they form, and what can be done to alleviate them.
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Cataracts
An overview
What is a cataract
• Clouding of the lens• Most are related to aging• By 80, more than half
Americans have a cataract or have had surgery for it.
• Can occur in one or both eyes• Cannot spread from eye to
eye
Lens
• Clear part of eye • Focuses light or image on
retina• Retina is light sensitive tissue
at back of eye• A cloudy lens produces an
blurred image
Other types of cataracts
1. Secondary (can form after surgery, or with other health problems)
2. Traumatic (develop after injury)3. Congenital (can occur at birth)4. Radiation cataract (after
exposure to radiation)
How does it look with cataracts?
What causes cataracts?
http://www.nei.nih.gov/
•Lens: Works like camera lens. Focuses light on retina, where image recorded. Also adjusts focus, letting us see close and far. Lens made up of protein and water. •With aging, protein may clump together and start to cloud.•Researchers believe smoking/diabetes MAY contribute, or it can be wear and tear.
How it affects vision?
1. Clumps of protein reduce sharpness of image
2. Clear lens may change to yellowish/brownish color
Who is at risk for cataracts?
• Diseases such as diabetes• Previous eye injury or surgery• Prolonged use of
corticosteriods• Behavior such as smoking &
alcohol• Environment such as
prolonged exposure to sun
How can I protect my eyes?
• Wear sunglasses and a brimmed hat
• Stop smoking• Nutrition (eat green leafy
vegetables, fruit, etc.)• Comprehensive dilated eye exam
at least once/every 2 years.• Early treatment may save your
sight.
Symptoms & Detection
• Cloudy, blurred vision• Faded colors• Glare from
headlights/lamps• Poor night vision• Double vision • Frequent prescription
changes
How is it detected?
1. Visual acuity test (Eye test for distances)
2. Dilated eye exam3. Tonometry (instrument
to measure pressure in eye)
How is it treated?
• Can be improved with new eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti glare sunglasses or magnifying glasses
• Surgery (remove cloudy lens and replace with artificial lens)
• Cataract surgery will include only one eye at a time, is one of the safest and most effective types of surgery.
What research is being done?
• Effect of sunlight exposure (may be related)
• Vitamin supplements which may slow progression
• Genetic studies, to better understand cataract development
Interactive eye
Click on link below for an interactive look at the eye
• http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/eyediagram/
More information
Tutorial on cataracts from Medline Plus:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/cataracts/htm/_yes_50_no_0.htm
Resources
National Eye Institutehttp://www.nei.nih.gov/about/