Cataract

A condition wherein the clear eye lens turns cloudy.

Symptoms:

• Clouding and blurring of the vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Double vision in one eye
• More light is needed to read

Causes:

• Family history
• Diabetes
• Injury to the eye
• Some drugs such as steroids can cause it
• Unprotected exposure to sunlight
• Old age

Diagnosis:

• By examination of the eye.

Cure:

• Surgery is the only cure.
• No other medication, diet, or treatments have been shown successfully to prevent cataract.

Complications:

• It is a very delicate surgery but complications are rare.

Note:

• It is not an irreversible damage.
• It does not cause a film formation over the eye.
• It is not caused due to overuse of the lens.
• It does not spread from one eye to another.
• Blurring does not necessarily start from the center of the eye.
• After surgery, not necessarily vision will be normal. There could be other reasons due to blurring. Consult your ophthalmologist (eye specialist) before operation.

Compiled by: Indrajit Sinha, Last updated: 02.12.07 © Medhospital Foundation

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