About Cataract

What is cataract?

Cataract is a kind of blur in vision due to protein denaturation in the crystalline lens which is one of the causes to low vision. Normally, light passes through the lens and reaches retina, where it produces the neural signals to be delivered to the brain. However, in a cataract case, the retina fails to get a sharp image from the light due to the clouding of the lens resulting from protein denaturation. The most common symptoms of a cataract are cloudy vision, poor night vision, faded colors, glare, multiple images and etc.

The causes of cataract

The causes for cataract can vary: genetic factors, aging, unhealthy living habits such as smoking and alcoholism, specific diseases like metabolic disturbance and diabetes. Also certain environmental pollutions such as radiation, poison, excessive sunlight can also affect the development of cataract to a certain level. Among all the possible factors, aging has come to the first place.

What to do with cataract

Usually it's likely to develop cataract in one's 40s. However the consequence for daily inconvenience in terms of visual problems with early symptoms for cataract can still be negligible. Nevertheless the risk is getting higher with the age increasing. From one's 60s on, cataract is likely to produce obvious vision impairment.

Eating more fruits and vegetables, drinking more water, increasing the variety of food intake as well as wearing anti-UV glasses when attending outdoor activities can help hold up the severity of cataract during the onset.

Also some eye drops and certain other medications can also help alleviate the symptom while medications can only work as an auxiliary role in this disease. At present there still hasn't been any medical treatment for cataract. The only solution can be found through surgery. Cataract is a kind of developing eye disease and can cause visual impairment or blindness ultimately. If that happens, you may ask your eyes specialist about low vision devices and services that may help you make the use of your remaining vision.

How to prevent cataract

The likelihood of developing cataract increases with age. Prevention is better than treatment. Keeping a good knowledge of precautionary measures in mind can be of great help.

We have summarized a list of simple tips below to kindly remind you of adding value to your eye health:

Keep a multi-vitamin diet

Fruits and vegetables are rich in a variety of vitamins which can reduce the risk of cataract. Also they work as antioxidants to help all parts of your body stay young and robust. It is worthwhile to increase the daily intake of fruits and vegetables.

Quit unhealthy living habits

Smoking and drinking alcoholic can do great harm to your health conditions concerning not only your eyes but also your whole body. In addition, keeping a regular living style will also do great benefit to your overall health.

Avoid ultraviolet

The ultraviolet light from the sun can do great harm to your eyes and can increase the risk of developing cataract dramatically. Always remember to wear a pair of sunglasses where there will be too much sunlight. How can I know whether my sunglasses work or not? Please click here for more information.

Always be aware to protect your eyes

Never overuse your eyes. "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy". Take small rest during work to avoid eye fatigue. It would be better to have an eye examination or visit the eye care doctor on a regular basis.