Blogs
What Is a Cataract? Causes, Symptoms, and When to See a Doctor
Introduction
Is your vision foggy or cloudy or is a family member or loved one? It may go beyond just an age-related change; it’s possible that you’re dealing with cataract. Cataracts are one of the leading causes of vision problems particularly with older adults. If not treated, they can influence your day-to-day life problems in a major way. The great thing is that cataracts can be treated with safe and effective surgeries.
In this blog post, we will cover everything you should know about cataracts! We’ll define what it is, what caused it, what symptoms you should look for, and when it’s time to see an eye doctor at the best eye hospital in Kochi.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Cataract?
- Common Causes of Cataracts
- Symptoms of Cataracts
- When Should You See a Doctor?
- How Cataracts Are Treated
- Conclusion
- FAQ
What Is a Cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside your eye, which is located behind the iris and the pupil. The lens allows light or an image to be focused on the retina. When the lens becomes cloudy, your vision becomes cloudy, too; let’s say it’s like looking through a foggy window.
Cataracts typically develop slowly and painlessly and that’s often why many people do not notice the gradual changes until they become quite significant.
Common Causes of Cataracts
Although aging is the most frequent cause, cataract development can be influenced by a number of factors, such as:
- Age (most prevalent in those over 60)
- Diabetes
- Extended exposure to ultraviolet radiation
- Drinking alcohol and smoking
- Surgery or eye injuries
- History of cataracts in the family
- Extended usage of corticosteroid medications
Symptoms of Cataracts
A cataract may be present if you have:
- cloudy or blurry vision
- heightened sensitivity to glare and light
- Having trouble seeing at night
- Yellowed or faded colors
- Observing “halos” surrounding lights
- Regular replacements of contact lenses or prescription glasses
If cataract treatment in kochi is not received, these symptoms, which can affect one or both eyes, will get worse over time.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Schedule an eye exam if you notice the above-mentioned symptoms, mainly if they interfere with your daily activities. Cataract diagnosis in kochi at an early stage can prevent further loss of vision and improve the quality of your life.
If there is any sudden change in vision or eye pain occurs or you witness flashes of light or double vision, ensure to visit the doctor immediately.
How Cataracts Are Treated
Cataracts are not curable with either medications or lifestyle changes, but they are very much treatable with surgery. Cataract surgery in Kochi involves removing the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with a clear artificial one, restoring clear vision and improving quality of life.
Surgery for cataract is one of the most common operations performed all over the world and is considered highly successful. It usually takes less than 30 minutes, and there is almost no downtime.
Conclusion
Cataracts are a normal part of aging for many individuals and can be a healthy part of aging, and they don’t have to take your eyesight or independence. Understanding the causes, being able to identify symptoms, and knowing when to reach out for help are the keys. With modern advancements in medicine, cataracts are a quick, easy, and highly successful procedure.
Worried About Cataracts?
Book Your Eye Exam Today!