Cataracts are cloudy patches that develop on the lens of the eye. They are very common in people over the age of 70, though a younger individual can also experience symptoms of cataracts due to a congenital disorder, an infection, or an eye injury. Most cataracts are painless and do not pose immediate health risks, though some symptoms of cataracts, such as blurred vision and night blindness, may impair a person's ability to drive and increase the risk of falling.
Except in the case of an acute eye injury, cataracts are likely to occur in both eyes at the same time. Symptoms of cataracts can include blurred or dimmed vision and extreme sensitivity to light. Colors may appear to be faded or tinted yellow, and lights might look as if they have glowing halos around them. In addition, it can be very difficult to make out shapes and distances accurately in dark environments.
It is uncommon for a cataract to cause pain, itchiness, or irritation. An underlying allergy or infection may cause such symptoms, but cataracts themselves are rarely involved. It is possible however, for a cataract to embed itself into the inner fibers of the lens and turn pure white, leading to swelling, inflammation, and chronic head pain. It is important to visit the emergency room if eye pain becomes severe and persistent.
A person who experiences the milder symptoms of cataracts should schedule an appointment with an eye doctor to receive a professional evaluation. A doctor usually inspects the affected eye or eyes with a specialized type of microscope to check for retinal and optic nerve damage. In addition, the physician may conduct a computerized tomography scan and test blood and tear samples to rule out other problems. Once the doctor is certain of the size and exact location of a cataract, he or she can discuss treatment options with the patient.
The standard treatment for symptoms of cataracts is a surgical procedure called a lens extraction, during which the entire lens is removed and replaced with an artificial device. Since a cataract is rarely an emergency condition, a patient may not be scheduled to undergo surgery for several weeks or months. In the meantime, he or she can manage the symptoms of cataracts by wearing prescription sunglasses outdoors and improving the lighting indoors. The prognosis for patients who undergo lens extraction is generally very good, and most people regain their vision within a day of receiving treatment. Following a procedure, a patient may be given eye drops or oral antibiotics to prevent dryness and infection while the eyes recover.
