Treatment FAQ

treatment for which diseases can cause cataracts

by Bianka D'Amore Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Most cataracts are age-related — they happen because of normal changes in your eyes as you get older. But you can get cataracts for other reasons — for example, after an eye injury or after surgery for another eye problem (like glaucoma). No matter what type of cataract you have, the treatment is always surgery.

Procedures

Dec 28, 2014 · Some cataracts are caused by an injury to the eye, long-term diabetes, the use of corticosteroid medications, or radiation treatment. Some babies are born with cataracts, or develop them because of an infection that happened during pregnancy, such as toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus, syphilis, rubella, or herpes simplex.

Nutrition

What causes cataracts? Although experts don't know for sure what causes cataracts, they think there could be several possible causes including: Smoking Diabetes Too much time in sunlight Steroid use Certain diuretic use Certain major tranquilizers

How to reverse your cataracts naturally?

Jan 06, 2022 · Cataracts caused due to a medication or a disease are secondary cataracts. Diabetes, glaucoma, and steroids such as prednisone are some of the reasons for secondary cataracts. Radiation cataracts Too much exposure to the sun causes cataracts.

How do you cure cataract?

Apr 21, 2022 · What’s the treatment for cataracts? Surgery is the only way to get rid of a cataract, but you may not need to get surgery right away. Home treatment. Early on, you may be able to make small changes to manage your cataracts. You can do things like: Use brighter lights at home or work Wear anti-glare sunglasses

Can you cure cataracts naturally without surgery?

Sep 11, 2020 · Causes of cataracts include diabetes, hypothyroidism, certain genetic illnesses, hyperparathyroidism, atopic dermatitis, and certain medications. Cataract symptoms and signs include a decrease in vision and a whitish color to the affected eye. Treatment for cataracts may involve cataract surgery.

What causes cataracts and how to prevent them?

Katarakt It is an eye disease that can lead to blindness, and the sense of sight can be preserved with early diagnosis and treatment.. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cataract disease It is found in approximately 17 million people worldwide. It accounts for 47 percent of blindness cases. Therefore, it is one of the most common causes of vision loss.

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What treatment is used for cataracts?

What's the Treatment? Surgery is the only way to treat cataracts, but you may not need it right away. If you catch the problem at an early stage, you might be able to get by with a new prescription for your glasses. A stronger lens can make your vision better for a while.Nov 3, 2021

What medical conditions cause cataracts?

Factors that increase your risk of cataracts include:
  • Increasing age.
  • Diabetes.
  • Excessive exposure to sunlight.
  • Smoking.
  • Obesity.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Previous eye injury or inflammation.
  • Previous eye surgery.
Sep 2, 2021

What is cataract and how is it treated?

A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. Cataracts are treated by removing the cloudy lens of the eye with surgery. Sun protection and quitting smoking may help prevent cataracts. Cataracts are common in older people.

What are the 3 types of cataracts?

There are three primary types of cataracts: nuclear sclerotic, cortical and posterior subcapsular.
  • Nuclear Sclerotic Cataracts. ...
  • Cortical Cataracts. ...
  • Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts.

Can cataracts be cured without surgery?

Unfortunately, there's no way to get rid of cataracts without cataract surgery. Some ophthalmologists are exploring alternatives, but at this time, only cataract surgery can cure your cataracts.Mar 8, 2020

Are cataracts treatable?

The only effective treatment for cataracts is surgically replacing the natural eye lens with an artificial lens known as an intraocular lens (IOL). During cataract surgery, your ophthalmologist makes a small incision in the eye and then inserts a tiny probe.Nov 20, 2015

What causes fast growing cataracts?

Trauma-related cataracts are typically the most fast-growing type of cataracts. Radiation: Radiation-related cataracts, sometimes listed under trauma-related cataracts, occur after the lens has been exposed to radiation. Exposure to high levels of radiation can result in clouded vision in as little as two years.Jun 3, 2018

What tests are done before cataract surgery?

Tests Performed Before Cataract Surgery
  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) to check your heart,
  • complete blood count (CBC) to check for anemia, a low amount of red blood cells.
  • urine examination to rule out urine infection.
  • blood sugar levels.
  • HIV test.
  • sr urea, creatinine as required.

What causes cataracts in the eye?

Some health problems and treatments can also make cataracts more likely, including: 1 Diabetes 2 A serious eye injury 3 Eye surgery to treat glaucoma or another eye condition 4 Taking steroids — medicines used to treat a variety of health problems, like arthritis or allergies — for a long time 5 Getting radiation treatment for cancer or other diseases

How do cataracts form?

Cataracts form when the proteins in the lens of your eye clump together, making your lens cloudy. The lens of your eye is normally clear, allowing light to pass through.

Why is the lens of the eye important?

The lens of your eye is normally clear, allowing light to pass through. The lens helps focus the light on your retina (the light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of your eye) so you can see things clearly , whether they’re up close or far away. Learn more about the parts of the eye. Your lens is mostly made of water and proteins.

Why do we need a lens?

The lens helps focus the light on your retina (the light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of your eye) so you can see things clearly, whether they’re up close or far away. Learn more about the parts of the eye. Your lens is mostly made of water and proteins. Normally, the proteins line up in a special way so that your lens is completely clear ...

Why does my eye get cloudy?

Normally, the proteins line up in a special way so that your lens is completely clear and light can pass through easily. If the proteins in your lens clump together, the lens gets cloudy. Cataracts keep you from seeing clearly because light can’t pass through ...

What is the best treatment for glaucoma?

Eye surgery to treat glaucoma or another eye condition. Taking steroids — medicines used to treat a variety of health problems, like arthritis or allergies — for a long time. Getting radiation treatment for cancer or other diseases. Last updated: May 29, 2019.

What is the lens of the eye?

The lens of your eye is normally clear, allowing light to pass through. The lens helps focus the light on your retina (the light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of your eye) so you can see things clearly, whether they’re up close or far away. Your lens is mostly made of water and proteins.

What to do if you have cataracts?

If your doctor determines that you have cataracts, then you may be referred to an eye specialist who can perform cataract surgery.

What is cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens. The artificial lens, called an intraocular lens, is positioned in the same place as your natural lens. It remains a permanent part of your eye. For some people, other eye problems prohibit the use of an artificial lens.

Can cataract surgery be done at night?

Most eye doctors suggest considering cataract surgery when your catarac ts begin to affect your quality of life or interfere with your ability to perform normal daily activities, such as reading or driving at night. It's up to you and your doctor to decide when cataract surgery is right for you.

What is the most common type of cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery. Cataract surgery. During phacoemulsification — the most common type of cataract surgery — the rapidly vibrating tip of the ultrasound probe emulsifies and helps break up the cataract, which your surgeon then suctions out (top). An outer housing of the cataract (the lens capsule) is generally left in place.

Where is the lens implant placed after cataract surgery?

After removing the emulsified material, your surgeon inserts the lens implant into the empty space within the capsule where the natural lens used to be (bottom).

Can you use contact lenses after cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is generally done on an outpatient basis, which means you won't need to stay in a hospital after the surgery.

How long does it take for cataract surgery to heal?

After the procedure, you'll have some discomfort for a few days. Healing generally occurs within eight weeks.

What are some ways to prevent cataracts?

Fruits and vegetables have many proven health benefits and are a safe way to increase the amount of minerals and vitamins in your diet. Wear sunglasses. Ultraviolet light from the sun may contribute to the development of cataracts. Wear sunglasses that block ultraviolet B (UVB) rays when you're outdoors.

What are the different types of cataracts?

Types of cataracts. Cataract types include: Cataracts affecting the center of the lens (nuclear cataracts). A nuclear cataract may at first cause more nearsightedness or even a temporary improvement in your reading vision. But with time, the lens gradually turns more densely yellow and further clouds your vision.

What is a cataract in the right eye?

Overview. A cataract occurs when the lens of your eye becomes cloudy. Eventually, a cataract can advance to the degree of the one shown in this person's right eye. Normal vision (left) becomes blurred as a cataract forms (right). A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of your eye.

How does cataract affect vision?

How a cataract affects your vision. Normal vision (left) becomes blurred as a cataract forms (right). A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of your eye. For people who have cataracts, seeing through cloudy lenses is a bit like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. Clouded vision caused by cataracts can make it more difficult ...

What is a cortical cataract?

A cortical cataract begins as whitish, wedge-shaped opacities or streaks on the outer edge of the lens cortex. As it slowly progresses, the streaks extend to the center and interfere with light passing through the center of the lens. Cataracts that affect the back of the lens (posterior subcapsular cataracts).

What is posterior subcapsular cataract?

A posterior subcapsular cataract starts as a small, opaque area that usually forms near the back of the lens, right in the path of light. A posterior subcapsular cataract often interferes with your reading vision, reduces your vision in bright light, and causes glare or halos around lights at night.

Can cataracts interfere with your vision?

Most cataracts develop slowly and don't disturb your eyesight early on. But with time, cataracts will eventually interfere with your vision. At first, stronger lighting and eyeglasses can help you deal with cataracts. But if impaired vision interferes with your usual activities, you might need cataract surgery.

What are the different types of cataracts?

There are many types of cataracts: Age-related cataracts. The majority of cataracts are related to aging. Congenital cataracts. Some babies are born with cataracts. Some children develop them in childhood, often in both eyes. Some congenital cataracts do not affect eyesight, but others do and need to be removed.

What is a cataract?

What are cataracts? A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. This is an area that is normally clear. As this clouding happens, it keeps light rays from passing through the lens and focusing on the retina. The retina is a tissue lining that is sensitive to light. It is located in the back of the eye. This cloudiness happens ...

What age do cataracts develop?

Age is the greatest risk factor for cataracts. Age-related cataracts may develop between 40 and 50 years old. Where you live. Recent studies have shown that people who live in high altitudes are more at risk of developing cataracts.

What is the clouding of the normally clear lens that sits in the eye behind the pupil?

A cataract is the clouding of the normally clear lens that sits in the eye behind the pupil. Most cataracts are related to aging. More than half of all Americans have had a cataract or cataract surgery by age 80. Babies, young children and middle-aged adults can also have cataracts, either present at birth or sometimes related to other medical ...

Can you have cataract surgery on both eyes?

Surgery involves swapping out the cloudy lens with a new lens. If you have cataracts in both eyes, they are usually not taken out at the same time. Your eye healthcare provider will need to do the surgery on each eye separately.

How do you know if you have cataracts?

Common symptoms from cataracts include halos around lights, needing more light to read, reduced clarity of vision and reduction in the brightness of colors. Such symptoms can also be associated with many other eye conditions, so it is important to visit your eye care provider to properly diagnose the cause of your symptoms.

Can a baby have cataracts?

Babies, young children and middle-aged adults can also have cataracts, either present at birth or sometimes related to other medical conditions. Common symptoms from cataracts include halos around lights, needing more light to read, reduced clarity of vision and reduction in the brightness of colors.

How to treat cataracts?

Drink too much alcohol. Have a family history of cataracts. Have had an eye injury, eye surgery, or radiation treatment on your upper body. Have spent a lot of time in the sun. Take steroids (medicines used to treat a variety of health problems, like arthritis and rashes)

What is a cataract?

What are cataracts? A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of your eye. Cataracts are very common as you get older. In fact, more than half of all Americans age 80 or older either have cataracts or have had surgery to get rid of cataracts. At first, you may not notice that you have a cataract.

Is cataract surgery safe?

During cataract surgery, the doctor removes the clouded lens and replaces it with a new, artificial lens (also called an intraocular lens, or IOL). This surgery is very safe, and 9 out of 10 people who get it can see better afterwards. Talk about your options with your doctor.

Can cataracts make your eyes blurry?

But over time, cataracts can make your vision blurry, hazy, or less colorful. You may have trouble reading or doing other everyday activities. The good news is that surgery can get rid of cataracts. Cataract surgery is safe and corrects vision problems caused by cataracts.

Can you get cataracts in one eye?

You can get cataracts in one eye or both eyes — but they can’t spread from one eye to the other. By age 80, most people either have cataracts or have had cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is one of the most common operations in the United States.

What age do cataracts start?

Around age 40, the proteins in the lens of your eye start to break down and clump together. This clump makes a cloudy area on your lens — or a cataract. Over time, the cataract gets more severe and clouds more of the lens. Learn more about what causes cataracts.

How to get rid of a swollen eye?

Eat healthy. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables — especially dark, leafy greens like spinach, kale, and collard greens. Get a dilated eye exam. If you’re age 60 or older, get a dilated eye exam at least once every 2 years.

Is it safe to remove cataracts?

Although many cataracts are not significant enough to require treatment, surgical removal of cataracts is usually safe and effective , resulting in improvement of vision. Cataract surgery should be performed when the visual loss from the cataract significantly impacts the lifestyle of the individual patient.

How are cataracts classified?

Cataracts can be classified by anatomical location within the lens, degree of clouding of the lens, or by the cause of the cataract. The lens of the human eye is shaped and sized similar to an M&M candy. It has a front (anterior) part and a back (posterior) part.

What are some interesting facts about cataracts?

What facts should I know about cataracts? 1 A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. 2 Cataracts are extremely common, and most cataracts are a result of the aging process. 3 Although many cataracts are not significant enough to require treatment, surgical removal of cataracts is usually safe and effective, resulting in improvement of vision. 4 Cataract surgery should be performed when the visual loss from the cataract significantly impacts the lifestyle of the individual patient.

What is the term for a condition where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy?

A cataract is an eye disease in which the clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque, causing a decrease in vision. Although the word cataract to describe this condition has been part of the English language since only the 15th century, the eye disease has been recognized and surgically treated since ancient times.

What is the lens in the eye?

The lens is a portion of the eye that is normally clear. It focuses rays of light entering the eye onto the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. In order to get a clear image onto the retina, the portions of the eye in front of the retina, including the lens, must be clear and transparent.

How does light affect the retina?

The light striking the retina initiates a chemical reaction within the retina. The chemical reaction, in turn, initiates an electrical response which is carried to the brain through the optic nerve. The brain then interprets what the eye sees. In a normal eye, light passes through the transparent lens to the retina.

What happens if your eye is cloudy?

If the lens is cloudy from a cataract, the image striking the retina will be blurry or distorted and the vision will be blurry.

Can diabetes cause cataracts?

This includes the tiny blood vessels in the eyes. And when diabetes affects these blood vessels, there’s the risk of cataracts and other eye conditions. Cataracts are the result of high sugar levels in the aqueous humor. The aqueous humor is the space between the ...

Can cataracts cause blurry vision?

But if a cataract worsens, blurry vision can impact the quality of your life. It can become difficult to complete routine tasks like driving, reading, and climbing stairs.

How to tell if you have cataracts?

Although blurry or cloudy vision is a common sign of cataracts, you might experience other symptoms. These include: 1 sensitivity to light 2 changes in how you see colors 3 reduced night vision 4 halo effect around lights 5 inability to read in dimly lit rooms 6 frequent changes in eyeglass prescription

Can diabetes cause high blood sugar?

If your body has problems with insulin, glucose can accumulate in your bloodstream, resulting in high blood sugar. Untreated high blood sugar can cause a range of health complications, including nerve damage and cardiovascular disease. But these aren’t the only complications of diabetes. It also raises the risk for cataracts.

Does diabetes cause blurry vision?

But these aren’t the only complications of diabetes. It also raises the risk for cataracts. A cataract is cloudiness of the eye lens, which causes blurry vision. Some people describe having cataracts as like looking through a fogged up window. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

What happens when you have diabetes?

This includes the tiny blood vessels in the eyes. And when diabetes affects these blood vessels, there’s the risk of cataracts and other eye conditions. Cataracts are the result of high sugar levels in the aqueous humor. The aqueous humor is the space between the eyeballs and the lens of the cornea. It supplies nutrients and oxygen to the lens.

Can cataract surgery be reversed?

Cataract surgery and recovery. Cataract surgery can reverse a cataract caused by diabetes. This short outpatient procedure involves removing and replacing a damaged lens with a healthy artificial lens.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Sanyukta Joshi
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Cataracts can be removed completely through surgery.
Procedures

Cataract surgery: Replacing the natural lens of the eye with an artificial lens or intraocular lens (IOL).

Nutrition

There are no specific foods proven to help cataract but certain foods can help maintain general eye health.

Foods to eat:

  • Beta - carotene containing foods such as carrots
  • Vitamin C containing foods such as oranges, mangoes, lemons and grapefruit
  • Vitamin A rich foods such as spinach, green vegetables

Foods to avoid:

  • NA

Specialist to consult

Ophthalmologist
Specializes in the medical and surgical care of the eyes.

Preparing For Your Appointment

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