What is Cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens, leading to blurry vision. It typically develops gradually and can affect one or both eyes. Common in older adults, cataracts can significantly impair vision if left untreated. The primary treatment is surgical, involving the replacement of the cloudy lens with an artificial one.
Types of Cataract
- Nuclear Cataract: Forms in the center of the lens, causing gradual loss of distance vision.
- Cortical Cataract: Affects the outer edge of the lens, leading to glare and difficulty with bright lights.
- Posterior Subcapsular Cataract: Develops at the back of the lens, causing problems with reading and glare, particularly in bright lights.
- Congenital Cataract: Present at birth or develops in early childhood, often due to genetic factors or prenatal infections.
Symptoms of Cataract
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Sensitivity to glare and bright lights
- Fading or yellowing of colors
- Frequent changes in prescription glasses or contact lenses