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Cataracts develop for a variety of reasons, including long-term exposure to ultraviolet light, exposure to radiation, secondary effects of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and advanced age, or trauma (possibly much earlier); they are usually a result of denaturation of lens protein. Genetic factors are often a cause of congenital cataracts and positive family history may also play a role in predisposing someone to cataracts at an earlier age, a phenomenon of “anticipation” in pre-senile cataracts. Cataracts may also be produced by eye injury or physical trauma. A study among Icelandair pilots showed commercial airline pilots are three times more likely to develop cataracts than people with non flying jobs.

This is thought to be caused by excessive exposure to radiation coming from outer space. Cataracts are also unusually common in persons exposed to infrared radiation, such as glassblowers who suffer from “exfoliation syndrome”. Exposure to microwave radiation can cause cataracts. Atopic or allergic conditions are also known to quicken the progression of cataracts, especially in children. Cataracts can also be caused by iodine deficiency.Cataracts may be partial or complete, stationary or progressive, hard or soft.Some drugs can induce cataract development, such as corticosteroids and Seroquel.

There are various types of cataracts, e.g. nuclear, cortical, mature, and hypermature. Cataracts are also classified by their location, e.g. posterior (classically due to steroid use and anterior (common (senile) cataract related to ageing).

The lens is made mostly of water and protein. Specific proteins within the lens are responsible for maintaining its clarity. Over many years, the structures of these lens proteins are altered, ultimately leading to a gradual clouding of the lens. Rarely, cataracts can present at birth or in early childhood as a result of hereditary enzyme defects, and severe trauma to the eye, eye surgery, or intraocular inflammation can also cause cataracts to occur earlier in life. Other factors that may lead to development of cataracts at an earlier age include excessive ultraviolet-light exposure, diabetes, smoking, or the use of certain medications, such as oral, topical, or inhaled steroids. Other medications that are more weakly associated with cataracts include the long-term use of statins and phenothiazines.

Cataract generally starts developing painlessly in eye; it slowly causes difficulty in vision with increase in opaque or cloudy area. Usual symptoms of cataract are: cloudy or blurry vision which results from the development of cloudy and opaque area in eye lens, person face difficulty while reading as cataract advances, problem facing bright light: when the person faces bright light, halo around light or sunlight it appears to be brighter to him/her, color vision deteriorates increasingly as cataract advances, night vision of the person worsens and sometimes the person complains of having multiple vision etc.

If you are come across any of the symptoms as given above, you need to visit your ophthalmologist at earliest. Diagnosis of cataract requires examination of your eyes. The tests of cataract include slit lamp evaluation and other devices; also Glare test, Contrast sensitivity test, Potential vision test etc. are some other tests. There are variations in cataract found in each person; some people develop a dense opaque area whereas in some people cataract is just in developing stage where it can be eliminated. There are very few known medications, which help preventing cataract; however the only known best way to get rid of cataract is surgery. According to some researches, Vitamin C and E are recognized to help in reducing risks of developing cataract.

The surgery to remove cataract is generally done after the cloudy area ripens at a certain level i.e. when it becomes denser and the patient cannot see anything clearly even with glasses to perform his/her activities. If the cataract is not troubling much, it is not removed until it does not mature. Generally, cataract surgery consists of removing the lens of the eye and replacing it with an artificial lens. The type of artificial lens to be used, type of removal of the eye lens etc. depends upon the patient’s choice.

Cataract surgery for most of the patients has a very low risk and fewer complications. Patients after cataract operation can see more clearly. They do not need spectacles to see things at long/short distances.

Although it is very hard to state causes of cataract, there are some measures, which we can follow in order to prevent cataract. It is very important to take complete care of our eyes. Take necessary precautions to control diseases, which are associated with cataract i.e., increase the risk of cataract. Smoking, exposure to some poisonous elements etc. can also increase risk of developing cataract, try to avoid these factors. Wear sunglasses when you go outside to reduce exposure to sunlight.

Initially, the cataract changes the focusing power of the eye. Sometimes, a change of glasses can satisfactorily improve vision. However, clarity will gradually drop so that vision becomes increasingly difficult, despite the best possible glasses.

A person with cataract sees things as if looking through a dirty window or a car windshield that needs to be defrosted. Glare becomes a serious problem and color perception becomes muted. Common activities such as

reading, driving, computer work, hobbies, and athletics become less easy and, eventually, impossible due to diminished vision.

There is no non-surgical treatment for cataracts. Preventative measures can include wearing good ultraviolet (UV) blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun. Anti-oxidant vitamins can delay cataract changes. Smoking accelerates cataract development and should be avoided. Again, some improvement with glasses is possible until the cataract becomes severe.

Routine eye exams are important in watching for cataract formation that may be the result of medicines or general illnesses. However, if you do not have regular eye exams and start experiencing, cloudy vision, consult a physician.

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