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Clearing the Clouds: A Guide to Understanding Cataracts

March 25th, 2024

As we navigate through the journey of life, our eyes often bear the brunt of the passage of time, with cataracts being one of the most common manifestations. As an expert ophthalmologist, I encounter numerous patients each day, concerned about their vision and seeking clarity about cataracts.

This blog aims to demystify cataracts, outline their symptoms, and reassure you that, though common, they are manageable under the right care.

What Are Cataracts?

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Cataracts are a natural part of the aging process, characterized by the clouding of the lens inside the eye. This cloudiness can affect one or both eyes and is not a disease that spreads from one eye to the other but rather a condition that occurs due to changes in the proteins that make up the crystalline lens.

Common Symptoms of Cataracts

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Blurred Vision:

The most noted symptom, think of looking through a foggy window, which can hinder daily activities like reading, driving, or watching TV.

Difficulty with Night Vision:

Night-time visibility becomes challenging, driving becomes uncomfortable or even unsafe, oncoming headlights cause more glare than before.

Sensitivity to Light and Glare:

A heightened sensitivity to light and glare, with sunlight or artificial lights feeling excessively bright, halos and starbursts appear around lights.

Dullness of Colors:

Colors may appear faded or yellowed, losing their vibrancy and making it difficult to distinguish between certain shades.

Frequent Changes in Prescription Glasses:

A rapid change in the strength of prescription lenses needed to achieve clear vision can be a telltale sign of cataract development.

Addressing Cataracts

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Cataracts are not a condition that can be treated with medication or lifestyle adjustments - surgery is the only definitive treatment.

However, the decision to proceed with surgery is based on the individual's daily life and vision requirements. The good news is that cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful procedures performed worldwide!