Cloudy, opaque vision could be a sign of developing cataracts
CATARACTS
The lens in your eye must be clear in order to receive a sharply focused image. If it’s cloudy or opaque due to the gradual formation of a cataract, the image becomes progressively blurry.
Cataract removal is never an emergency. You may not need cataract surgery for several years and possibly never. Delaying cataract surgery will not cause long-term damage to your eye.
Your eye care professional can monitor the progression and help you make an informed decision regarding possible surgical removal by an ophthalmologist.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
A cataract starts out small and at first has little effect on your vision. You may notice that your vision is blurred a little, like looking through a cloudy piece of glass. A typical clue is the feeling that your spectacles are always dirty and you find yourself constantly cleaning them.
The most common symptoms of a cataract are: Cloudy or blurry vision Colours seem faded Glare. Headlights, lamps, or sunlight may appear too bright.
A halo may appear around lights.
Poor night vision
Double vision or multiple images in one eye.
Vision that’s cloudy, blurry, foggy, or filmy.
Nearsightedness (in elderly people)
CAUSES AND RISKS
No-one knows for sure why the eye’s lens changes as we age, forming cataracts. But researchers worldwide have identified factors, besides advancing age, associated with cataract development:
Ultraviolet radiation from sunlight and other sources ● Diabetes ● Hypertension ● Smoking ● Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications
● Statin medicines used to reduce cholesterol
● Previous eye injury or inflammation ● Previous eye surgery ● Hormone replacement therapy
● Significant alcohol consumption
● Family history TREATMENT
When symptoms begin to appear, you may be able to only improve your vision for a while using new spectacles, stronger bifocals, extra magnification, appropriate lighting or other visual aids. The cataracts will continue to progress very slowly. You should visit your eyecare practitioner annually so they can assess the progression. When cataracts seriously affect your daily life, it’s your eyecare practitioner’s responsibility to educate you and give you the advice you need to make an independent and well-informed decision regarding possible surgery.
- Content courtesy Kenton Optometrists (www.kentonoptom.co.za). This is the first in a series on eye care leading up to World Sight Day on October 13.