Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss over the age of 40 and of blindness worldwide.

Cases of cataracts are more frequent than those of diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and macular degeneration, according to data reported by ophthalmologists around the world.

Many people don’t realize they have developed cataracts until they have progressed so far that they notice significant vision loss. Meanwhile, they carry out their usual tasks suffering from the inconveniences caused by this pathology and their quality of life is affected by the limitations it imposes.

Definition of cataracts:

Cataracts are an opacity that occurs in the lens and that does not allow the normal passage of light to the retina, causing partial or total loss of sight.

The lens is a natural lens that under normal conditions is transparent and colorless. When cataracts appear, the lens appears cloudy and the effect is similar to seeing through dirty or misted glass.

Those who suffer from cataracts tend to see objects cloudy, blurry or with less color.

Cataract symptoms:

At first, cataracts go almost unnoticed; the opacity is usually small and affects vision very little. You may notice a kind of cloud in front of the eye or the vision becomes somewhat blurred.

The most common symptoms that warn us about the appearance of cataracts are:

• Decreased contrast sensitivity.
• Double vision in one eye.
• Loss of colour brilliance or yellow vision.
• The need to frequently change the prescription of contact lenses or glasses.
• Excessive sensitivity to light.
• Difficulty seeing at night.
• Blurred or cloudy vision.
• Need for brighter lighting to perform everyday tasks.
• Those who have cataracts find that the light of a lamp dazzles them, it is difficult for them to drive at night because the cars ahead dazzle them much more than before and the colours appear less bright.

What causes cataracts to appear?:

The lens is the equivalent of a camera lens; It is responsible for focusing light on the retina to see clearly. In addition, it also serves to focus on near and far objects.

The lens is composed of a complex of proteins and 60% water, as well as mineral ions, all arranged in such a way that it is transparent and allows light to pass through.

It has no nerve or blood endings.

Over the years, the proteins begin to clump together and form “clouds.” That cloudiness is the cataracts that, as they get bigger, make it difficult for light to pass through, causing loss of vision.

The causes of cataracts are diverse; the main one is the formation of protein clumps in the lens as part of the aging process.

Cataracts can also occur in young people, the cause of which can be caused by various factors such as:

• Excessive exposure to UV radiation.
• Myopia, uveitis
• Cholesterol control medications.
• Hypertension.
• Alcohol consumption.
• Continued use of corticosteroids.
• Previous eye surgeries.
• Injury or inflammation in the eye.
• Trauma.
• Genetic conditions.

Types of cataracts:

There are different types of cataracts, and these can be classified according to the area where they appear, at the age they appear, for the reason (traumatic)….:

congenital cataracts
Some children may be born with cataracts that may have genetic causes or are due to trauma or intrauterine infection.

nuclear cataract
They are cataracts that appear in the center of the lens and can cause a considerable increase in myopia or cause it if it was not present.

Over time, vision becomes more yellowish and dull. This makes it difficult to tell the shades of colors apart.

This type of cataract is the most related to the natural aging process and its evolution is very slow.

cortical cataract

Cortical cataract begins as an opacity in the lens cortex and takes on a striated appearance at the edge of the lens. They are not very common and are usually associated with Diabetes Mellitus.

posterior subcapsular cataract

This cataract initially appears as a small opacity at the back of the lens, in the capsule. Its most frequent symptoms are related to loss of vision and glare in bright light.

Its progress is faster than that of the types of cataracts mentioned above.

How to prevent cataracts?

There is disagreement among specialists about whether it is possible to prevent cataracts. However, there are studies that show the possibility of delaying their appearance or reducing the risk of suffering from them through a healthy diet and the consumption of vitamin supplements.

A diet rich in vitamin E, lutein, carotenoids and zeaxanthin can help slow down the oxidative process that takes place in the lens and thus reduce the likelihood of cataracts.

Intake of vitamin C and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids is also recommended.

In general, healthy eating habits will also help prevent other diseases.

This results in a double benefit, since we know that there are medications that are used to treat various conditions that can give rise to the appearance of cataracts; such is the case of corticosteroids and medications to control cholesterol.

Moderation in the consumption of alcoholic beverages will also help prevent cataracts, as will quitting smoking and wearing good quality UV-protective sunglasses.

How to treat cataracts?

The way to treat the cataract to recover the loss of vision that it produces is surgical.

The use of contact lenses can help compensate for vision defects that may occur in the early stages, such as an increase or the appearance of myopia.

When it comes to a point where surgery is the only option, the procedure is simple, quick, and in many cases you can completely recover your vision.

Sometimes cataract surgery can help correct some ametropia

At the slightest manifestation of any of the symptoms described above, go to a specialist for a complete evaluation and confirm if you have developed cataracts.

If so, he will know how to make recommendations on how to address them depending on whether they are at an early stage or if the opacity is already complete.

The solution to eliminating or mitigating their effects early is simple, and poor vision not only affects your quality of life, it can also put you and those around you at risk.

Even if you feel that your vision is perfect, it is recommended that you visit the specialist once a year to make sure that everything is fine.

In the event of an abnormality appearing in the sight or in the eyeball, if it is detected in time, the solution will always be simpler than waiting for more severe symptoms and injuries to appear.