Seeing The Facts: 4 Important Facts To Know About Cataracts
by Charlie Berry
Characterized by a cloudiness of the lens, cataracts do affect your vision. As a matter of fact, cataracts are one of the most common causes of vision loss. They affect an estimated 24.4 million Americans who are 40 years of age and older, but most people are not truly familiar with cataracts. With this guide, you will learn a few key facts about cataracts.
1. There are Many Causes
You may be surprised to learn that there are many causes of cataracts. However, aging is the main cause.
As you age, the protein and water in the lens of your eye will wear down, clumping together. These clumps of protein create a cloudiness in the lens. This clump that causes cloudiness in the lens is known as a cataract.
Excess exposure to ultraviolet light can also increase your risk of developing cataracts. Diabetic patients develop them as a secondary symptom of their disease. Also, cataracts can develop if you have experienced trauma to the eye.
2. Cloudiness Is Not the Only Symptom
Cloudiness in the eye and cloudy vision are the most common sign of cataracts, but you may experience other symptoms of this eye issue. A decreased ability to see at night and sensitivity to light and glare are also common if you are suffering from cataracts. Many patients experience haloed vision or double vision in the affected eye. If you are noticing certain colors are faded or have yellowish tints, you may have cataracts. Lastly, your eye doctor may want to test for cataracts if you have frequent changes in your prescription lenses.
3. There are Different Types
Another surprising fact is that there are actually a few different types of cataracts. If your cataract develops at the back of the lens, it is known as a subscapular cataract. These are most common in diabetic patients. In most cases that occur due to aging, the cataract develops in the nucleus of the eye. These cataracts are known as nuclear cataracts. Cortical cataracts develop in the cortex of the lens. These cataracts start at the side of the lens but move in a spoke-like design to the center of the lens.
4. Treatment Is Available
Living with cataracts is possible, but the loss or impairment of vision can make it difficult. Therefore, it is important to seek out treatment as soon as you are diagnosed with cataracts. Cataract surgery removes the affected lens and replaces it with an artificial one that is free of cataracts. This surgery is completed on an out-patient basis and is effective for restoring your vision and underlying eye health.
Cataracts may be common, but they are not entirely understood. This guide will give you a few key facts you need to know about cataracts. Contact a company like Leader Heights Eye Center for more information and assistance.
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About Me
I used to be skeptical about chiropractic healing. However, that was before I tried it for myself. I was in an accident that did serious damage to my back. I followed all of the doctor’s recommendations, did my physical therapy, and still didn’t feel any better. That was when I finally decided to try going to my friend’s chiropractor. It was such a relief when I finally started to feel better thanks to the great chiropractic care I received. That’s when I decided to start researching chiropractic care and how it could be used to treat different conditions. This blog contains the results of that research. If you’re looking for a way to feel better, you too may benefit from chiropractic healing. These articles will help you learn how.