Because cataracts are not related to your age, it is important to take care of your eyes and have an annual check with your ophthalmologist to quickly detect any problems. Learn more in this article!
When people talk about cataracts, you probably think of things like "vision problems" and "old people". It is not surprising because it is estimated that half of the people who reach 80 years will develop cataracts.
But that's not the end of history.
Did you know that already at age 40, you can start to notice the first symptoms? At the age of 60, your view is most affected. If you approach 40 or have passed this milestone, read the article today and learn more about cataracts.
- Gray starch does not form over the eye
The first thing you need to know about cataracts is that they are not formed over your eye. Most people associate this problem with a thin layer on the eye's lens.
The reality is that they are formed inside the eye, and the distorted vision occurs when the proteins that normally compress the lens are broken.
This process is completely painless and you will not notice it until months or years have elapsed when you have already had surgery.
- Age is not a risk factor
Another thing you should know about cataracts is that your age is not decisive for its appearance. Although it is true that they most often occur among the elderly, everyone can develop this problem.
The most vulnerable are those who:
Have had eye surgery
Having trouble with green throat
Is exposed to sunlight without the use of protective lenses
There are also cases of congenital cataracts or babies born with them. This may be due to infection or developmental problems associated with nutritional deficiency during pregnancy.
- Symptoms of cataracts
Although cataracts develop very slowly, you may recognize some of their symptoms in the less advanced stages if you are aware of it.
These symptoms are:
Unclear or blurred vision
A loss of peripheral vision - it means it's harder to see things that are not right in front of you
Problems distinguishing colors
Problems to look properly at night
Double sight
Sudden changes in your eyeglass control
- Cataracts can only affect an eye
One thing you should also keep in mind when crying is that they may occur in one eye only. It is more common to develop "bilateral cataracts", but some people are only affected on one side.
This can happen when you suffer from a trauma to an eye. Therefore, it is always a good idea to see an ophthalmologist when you have suffered any kind of incident or accident around your eyes.
The odds are that you do not feel discomfort at the moment. It may take a couple of years before you realize that you suddenly can not look so good.
- Your vision is influenced in different ways
It is generally assumed that the existence of cataracts implies an inability to look good. There are patients who develop this disease and look perfectly fine, but the only difference is that light affects them more than other people.
Others may be hard to see when there is little light or at night, but in natural light they look nice.
One thing you should know about cataracts is that they are not all the same .
- Surgery is not always necessary
Those who start having cataracts can cope with less intrusive treatments. You can spend years without needing surgery and without risking more problems associated with it.
It is important to talk it with your doctor and assess whether the damage you see now because of cataracts affects your daily life.
Against that background, you can make the best decision. You can find out that all you need is some medicine and regular visits to the ophthalmologist.
- Cataract surgery is common and safe
It is normal to feel panic or fear when your doctor tells you that you have cataracts and the best procedure is surgery. If this is the case with you and you are in doubt then you should know that it is one of the most common and safe procedures available.
There is currently a 96% chance of success with this procedure, a statistic that makes it one of the safest medical interventions. The operation requires only local anesthesia and a small incision. No stitching is required.
The surgeon removes the natural lens from the eye, cleans the build-up dirt and implants a new lens. The procedure lasts 15 to 20 minutes , and in a few hours you will be home again.
After surgery, you should wear eye protection and you will not be able to run or perform much physical activity in a few weeks.
You will find that your vision is clearer the day after surgery , and over the next four weeks you will completely restore your normal vision . You can look better than ever before!
- The best way to prevent cataracts is by visiting an ophthalmologist
You must go to the ophthalmologist at least once a year to prevent the occurrence of cataracts and other eye disorders.
During your visit, please mention if you have noticed any of the above symptoms. They will tell you if you have a particular problem or if it is actually a sign of cataract and what to do to slow down its progression.