Cataracts are cloudy areas that form on the lens of your eye. Your lens is a clear, flexible structure made mostly of proteins (crystallins). As you get older, the proteins in your lens break down, forming cloudy patches that affect your vision. You may feel as if you’re looking at the world through a dirty window. Over time, your vision gets worse. You may have a hard time carrying out routine tasks.
According to the World Health Organization, cataracts affect approximately 65.2 million people and cause moderate to severe vision loss in over 80% of cases.
Cataracts develop when proteins in the lens clump together, obstructing light from passing through. Risk factors include diabetes, smoking, excessive alcohol use, prolonged UV exposure, and a family history of the condition.
Symptoms include blurry or dim vision, difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to glare, and frequent changes in prescription glasses. Advanced cataracts may give the eye a cloudy or whitish appearance.
Preventive measures include protecting eyes from UV rays, maintaining a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, and avoiding smoking. Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the clouded lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens, restoring vision.
Cataracts are a common yet treatable cause of vision loss. Early diagnosis and timely surgical intervention can restore sight and improve quality of life.
Reach out to us via WhatsApp or book a consultation at one of our clinics for a more detailed diagnosis if you have further concerns.
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