Cataract Risk Factors - What Should You Know?

Cataract usually affects people who are above 40. It is a blurring of the eye’s lens, which lies at the back of pupil and iris. It is the most usual cause behind the loss of vision for people above 40. Research also states that it is a major cause of blindness in the world.

Types of cataracts:

1. Subcapsular cataract: People who are diabetic and those are taking high steroids are more prone to subcapsular cataract. In this type, the cataract develops at the back of the lens.
2. Nuclear cataract: A nuclear cataract is related to aging. It usually affects the central portion of the lens of the eye.
3. Cortical cataract: It is a white opacity, which begins from the periphery of the lens and spreads up to the center of the lens in a spot-like manner. It usually affects the cortex of the lens.

Symptoms:

1. In the beginning, cataract affects a small portion of your eye and affects your vision.
2. Your vision gradually gets blurred.
3. Too much exposure to the light might cause glare.
4. In nuclear cataract, you may notice a short-lived improvement of your near vision.
5. In subcapsular cataract, you cannot notice any symptoms in the initial days.

Cause of cataract:
The lens inside our eyes acts like a camera and it is made of protein and water. The protein helps in keeping the lens clear. But with aging, the protein may start to form a lump, which causes cloudiness in the eye area. With time the cataract spreads all over the lens and creates more cloudiness, which ultimately leads to blindness. The factors which usually trigger cataract are

1. Age
2. UV rays from sunlight
3. Obesity
4. Hypertension
5. Smoking
6. Consumption of high dosage steroids medicines
7. Statin medicines
8. History of eye inflammation or any eye injury
9. History of eye surgery
10. Too much consumption of alcohol
11. Hormone replacement therapy
12. Family history of cataract

Prevention of cataract:
It cannot be guaranteed whether cataract can be prevented or not. A study shows that cataract is caused due to the oxidative changes in the lens of the eye. Nutrition studies have shown that consuming vegetables and fruits, which are high in antioxidants, may help in preventing cataract. Dietary intake of vitamin E, carotenoids lutein, and zeaxanthin from supplements and food items can decrease the risk of developing a cataract. Sunflower seeds, spinach and almonds are good sources of vitamin E. Kale, spinach, other leafy green veggies are the good sources of zeaxanthin and lutein. Food items that contain Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin C decrease the chances of cataract.

Last, but not the least, when you step out, always wear a sunglasses, which has the ability to block UV rays.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!