What is cataract?

Cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. Behind the pupil is a transparent lens that must be clear to see properly. The lens becomes stiffer and harder as we get older, and the proteins in the lens can also clump together, giving us a cloudy image. This is usually due to aging, but cataracts can also be congenital or the result of a disease.

Symptoms of cataracts

The greater the clouding, the more cataracts are noticeable. If the cataract is only on the edges of the lens, the burden will not be too bad. If the cloudy spot is in the middle, complaints may arise, such as double or blurred vision. Colors can also appear duller. If stronger glasses are suddenly necessary, this may be due to cataracts.

Cataracts develop very slowly. As a result, it is not noticeable at first. Only later, when a larger part of the eye lens is affected, does vision deteriorate. Cataracts can be discovered by an optician, but they cannot treat them. An ophthalmologist is required for this.

What causes cataracts?

• Old Age: The main cause of cataracts is old age. As you get older, proteins in the lens can clump together, which can make the eye lens cloudy.
• Heredity: cataracts can be congenital and manifest at a young age.
• Internal eye inflammation
• Diabetes
• Smoking, alcohol consumption and unhealthy diet
• Excessive exposure to sunlight
• Certain medications, such as anti-inflammatories

Cataracts and everyday life

The burden of cataracts can increase while driving. Headlights from oncoming traffic then have a blinding effect. This is especially difficult in the dark. Whether driving is still possible is determined by a visual field examination. The optometrist or ophthalmologist can perform this test.

In everyday life, there are more things that can slightly increase the risk of cataracts, such as prolonged exposure to bright sunlight. It is therefore wise to wear sunglasses. You can also reduce the risk of cataracts by eating healthy, not smoking and not drinking too much.

Treatment of cataracts

There are no medications for cataracts. The only way to get rid of it is surgery to replace the cloudy lens with a clear artificial lens. An operation is not immediately necessary. It is not the case that being there earlier will result in a better result. However, the risk of complications is smaller with earlier interventions.

During surgery, the eyes are not treated at the same time. There is at least four weeks between both eyes. This way, one eye can fully recover and the ophthalmologist can determine how strong the lens should be in the second eye. Leaving cataracts untreated can then lead to blindness.

We are ready for you

Do you suffer from complaints that are consistent with cataracts? Don't keep walking around with it. Contact one of the stores in your area by telephone and ask about the options.

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