What is Cataract?Cataract is the clouding,hardening (opacity) of the lens of the eye resulting in blurred vision.The lens is transparent,allowing light through it into the eye.Any cloudiness prevents and scatters light entering the eye and therefore affects how well a person sees,Two eyes may be affected but one may be more severe than the other.
Types of Cataract
This describes the point where the cloudiness occurs.There are various types and are as follows:
SUBCAPSULAR CATARACT
This begins at the back or front of the lens capsule.
It is related to some medical conditions like diabetes mellitus,steroid drug use eg eye drops etc.
commoner in younger patients.
NUCLEAR SCLEROTIC CATARACT
The cataract forms at the cemter of the lens.It is most commonly seen and related to old age.
CORTICAL CATARACT
This occurs in the soft outer part (Cortex) of the lens
HYPERMATURE CATARACT Here ,there is leakage of the degenerated cortical materials through the wrinkled and shrunken lens capsule.
MORGAGHIAN CATARACT;
Is a longstanding very opaque cataract in which the cortex has started to shrink and liquify leaving a central shrunken nucleus to move freely on even sink.
What causes Cataract
The cause can be congenital or acquired.
CONGENITAL CATARACT:
In this type,the individual is born with it.1/3 of cases may be components of extensive diseases, like congenital rubella syndrome or downs syndrome. 1/3 of cases may be due to inherited trait,autosomal dominant pattern being the most common.
1/3 of cases may be due to unknown course.
ACQUIRED CATARACT
This occurs as a result of metabolic diseases and other factors.Such factors include:
AGE-(65 years and above);changes in the eye due to aging cause the protein substance in the eye to clump together and clouds some area of the lens (Senile cataract).
Injury to the eye.
This occurs in the soft outer part (Cortex) of the lens
HYPERMATURE CATARACT Here ,there is leakage of the degenerated cortical materials through the wrinkled and shrunken lens capsule.
MORGAGHIAN CATARACT;
Is a longstanding very opaque cataract in which the cortex has started to shrink and liquify leaving a central shrunken nucleus to move freely on even sink.
What causes Cataract
The cause can be congenital or acquired.
CONGENITAL CATARACT:
In this type,the individual is born with it.1/3 of cases may be components of extensive diseases, like congenital rubella syndrome or downs syndrome. 1/3 of cases may be due to inherited trait,autosomal dominant pattern being the most common.
1/3 of cases may be due to unknown course.
ACQUIRED CATARACT
This occurs as a result of metabolic diseases and other factors.Such factors include:
AGE-(65 years and above);changes in the eye due to aging cause the protein substance in the eye to clump together and clouds some area of the lens (Senile cataract).
Injury to the eye.
Diabetes mellitus.
Drugs:uncontrolled and prolonged steroids ie hormonal use of drugs ,diuretics and tranquilizers and ionizing radiation .
Prolonged exposure to sunlight and ionizing radiation.
Smoking.
How is Cataract known
Cataract presents with:
Blurring of vision which may become progressively worse
Headache.
Treatment
Drugs:uncontrolled and prolonged steroids ie hormonal use of drugs ,diuretics and tranquilizers and ionizing radiation .
Prolonged exposure to sunlight and ionizing radiation.
Smoking.
How is Cataract known
Cataract presents with:
Blurring of vision which may become progressively worse
Headache.
Treatment
This involves surgical removal of the whole or part of the affected lens.
Advice/Counselling
Advice/Counselling
This includes:-
Seeking attention for conditions involving the eyes eg injury to the eye.
Seeking attention for conditions involving the eyes eg injury to the eye.
Having regular check-ups and sight test.
Wearing of recommended sunglasses and wide brimmed hat or reduce exposure.
Don't use native eye medications or steroid not recommended by ophthalmologists.
Factory workers,farmers,welders etc may use protective eye glasses.
Seek early eye consultation,if you find ''white spots'' on the eyes of neonates,infants and children.
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