Demystifying Cataracts- What are they? Why do they occur? 

Hey there, friends! 

 

         Welcome back to my blog! In this series of my blogs, we are going to talk about something that affects millions of people worldwide: cataracts. As an eye specialist, I have seen firsthand how cataracts can impact daily life, from reading and driving to spending time with loved ones. 

 

          But here’s the good news: cataracts are treatable, and with the right care, you can regain clear vision and get back to living life to the fullest! 

 

Before we dive into the topic, take a quick moment to let me know which category you fall into: 

     1. You’ve recently been diagnosed with cataracts. 

     2. A relative or friend has been diagnosed with cataracts. 

     3. You’ve undergone cataract surgery. 

     4. You’re hearing about cataracts for the first time. 

Share your answer in the comments below! This will help me better understand what you’re looking for in this post. 

 

Now, let’s get started! 

 

       According to the latest epidemiological survey, cataracts are the second most common cause of preventable blindness worldwide. In India alone, it’s estimated that over 10 million people suffer from cataracts, with approximately 6.5 million cases being bilateral. The prevalence of cataracts increases with age, affecting over 60% of people above the age of 60. 

 

       So, what exactly is a cataract? To understand cataracts, we need to know a bit about the lens in our eye. The lens is a transparent structure behind the iris and pupil that helps focus light onto the retina. 

 

       Normally, the lens is clear, allowing light to pass through and focus on the retina. However, when the lens becomes cloudy or opaque, it obstructs the passage of light, leading to blurred or cloudy vision. This is known as a cataract. 

 

       But why do cataracts occur? The most common cause of cataracts is aging. Age-related cataracts, also known as senile cataracts, occur due to natural changes in the lens that happen over time. 

As we age, the lens becomes less flexible and more prone to damage. The lens is made up of water and proteins, which can clump together and form cloudy areas. This clumping can lead to the formation of a cataract. 

 

There are several types of age-related cataracts, including: 

     1. Nuclear cataracts: These occur in the centre of the lens and are the most common type of age-related cataract. 

     2. Cortical cataracts: These occur in the outer layer of the lens and are characterized by white, wedge-like opacities. 

     3. Posterior subcapsular cataracts: These occur at the back of the lens and are more common in people with diabetes or those taking steroids. 

 

Other factors can also contribute to the development of cataracts, include: 

     1. Diabetes: – High blood sugar levels lead to increased hydration of the lens as well as increased stickiness of lens fibres. This hydrated lens is no longer transparent. If you are a diabetic, you are definitely at a higher risk of developing cataracts earlier. 

     2. Certain medications, such as steroids or methotrexate: – Long term usage of these medications interacts with normal lens metabolism. Opaque fluid filled pockets can develop inside your lens which can prevent the light from entering your eye. All forms of steroids like ointments, sprays, inhalers, or tablets can lead to early onset of cataract if used for a long duration of time. 

     3. Hereditary factors: – Certain genetic factors can predispose your lens to develop a structural abnormality and hence develop cataract. 

     4. History of trauma: Any form of injury to the eye can again lead to change in metabolic activities inside the lens. This can lead to cataract. In some cases of eye injury, cataract can develop in days to weeks, while in other cases, it may take years to develop. Cataracts developing secondary to eye injury may be associated with other structural changes in the eye and managing such cases may be tricky.  

     5. Past eye surgeries, such as glaucoma surgery or retina surgery: – All forms of intraocular surgery can lead to certain degree of inflammation inside the eye that can again interfere with transparency of the lens. Such cataracts are known as secondary cataracts. 

     6. Atopy or allergies: People with allergies have a greater tendency to develop cataracts earlier in life. 

 

       So, in this post, I have given a brief overview on what are cataracts and what are the risk factors for developing cataracts. 

In our next post, we will continue to explore the world of cataracts, including the management options. 

 

Stay tuned!