Cataract is a painless area of ??lens opacities.

Cataract blocks normal transmission of light rays to the retina.

Nerve cells in the retina very subtly perceive light signals, through which the brain forms a "picture" of what a person sees.

When the transmission of light through the lens-lens is broken, there are problems with vision.

Risk factors for cataracts include:.

Age. As the aging process increases, the risk of cataracts (the so-called senile cataract).

The effects of ultraviolet rays (UVB), such as sun and sunbeds, significantly increase the risk of developing cataracts.

Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, in which the blood sugar level exceeds the permissible level, leads to serious changes in the eye, including cataracts.

Eye diseases such as glaucoma, chronic uveitis (inflammation of the choroid) and others. This is due not only to the diseases themselves, but also to the treatment of these diseases - some glaucoma operations increase the risk of developing cataracts.

Vitrectomy. People older than 50 years who were removed vitreous from the eye (vitrectomy), have a high risk of developing cataracts. Removal of the vitreous can be carried out, for example, during operations for detachment of the retina.

Family history of cataracts. People with a genetic predisposition have a significantly increased risk of developing cataracts. Some genetic diseases are also associated with cataracts.

Prolonged use of steroid drugs (dexamethasone and others. ) This applies to chronic patients with such diseases as bronchial asthma, emphysema, etc..

Frequent X-ray examination of the head or radiation therapy for cancer (with head irradiation).

Eye damage. Despite the fact that cataracts caused by eye trauma are generally rare, in children this is the leading cause of the disease.

10. Smoking can damage the lens of the eye due to the formation of aggressive compounds - free radicals. A high level of free radicals adversely affects the lens, causing changes that precede cataracts.

eleven. Infections during pregnancy. If a woman suffered during pregnancy such infections as chickenpox and rubella, the child can be born with congenital cataracts.

12. Drinking alcohol. Some studies show that alcohol abuse increases the risk of cataracts.

13. High level of triglycerides in the blood. One major study revealed an increased risk of cataract in men with high triglyceride levels in the blood.

Symptoms of cataracts.

Not all cases of cataracts significantly reduce vision and disrupt the patient's lifestyle.

In cases where it does occur, the symptoms in an adult may include:.

Blurred, distorted vision.

Glare from light sources, lamps and sun.

Difficulty when driving at night due to the glare from the headlights.

Difficulties in daily work.

Frequent change of glasses.

Doubling in the eyes.

Particular attention should be paid to observing the symptoms in children who can not always describe their visual problems.

Symptoms of cataract in children can be as follows:.

A child finds it difficult to find small objects when he crawls on the floor.

The child does not look directly at the object or on the person to whom his attention is currently focused.

The child can squint, frown and protect his eyes from sunlight more than usual. This is due to the glare caused by cataracts.

The child's eyes sometimes can not focus on the same point at the same time. This phenomenon is called strabismus, or strabismus.

The sick eye can do repetitive movements (nystagmus). This is usually a late sign of cataracts. Such a symptom may not appear until the child is six months or a year old.

Prevention of cataracts.

For today, there is no proven cataract prevention method.

But some changes in lifestyle can slow the development of cataracts:.

To give up smoking.

Strict restriction of alcohol intake.

Refusal to visit tanning beds.

Wearing sunglasses and hats with visors.

A diet rich in vitamins C and E. You need to eat lots of fresh fruits and greens. You can take multivitamin preparations.

If possible, avoid taking steroid medications (only after consulting a doctor!).

Constantly monitor blood sugar levels.

Overview of cataract treatment methods.

Today, surgical treatment is the only effective way to restore vision lost due to cataracts.

Surgical treatment of cataracts usually consists in removing the clouded lens of the eye. The patient is then implanted with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL).

Surgical treatment is often unnecessary, or may be delayed for months, or even for years. Many patients with cataract feel great, using glasses or contact lenses.

The choice of treatment for children depends on how much the cataract affects the eyesight and everyday life of the child. With severe visual impairment, surgical treatment is recommended.

Drops used in cataracts can slow the progression of the disease, but they are not a radical remedy for getting rid of the disease.

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