cataract
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| Cataract: Types, Causes and treatment |
What is Cataract?
Cataract, also known as lens opacity,
is also known as white water or lens disease. It is a condition that results
from the gradual increase in the thickness of the eye's lens.
The likelihood of developing cataracts increases after the
age of 70, and it can occur in one or both eyes. Cataracts are one of the most
common causes of vision loss, typically affecting the elderly, but it is not
contagious.
cataract is defined as a condition that leads to lens
opacity and blurred vision. It is the most common cause of vision loss for
individuals over 40 years of age and the leading cause of blindness worldwide.
cataract is divided into several types, including:
- Subcapsular cataract, which occurs in the back part of the
lens. It is worth noting that individuals with diabetes or those receiving high
doses of steroids are at a higher risk of developing this type.
- Nuclear cataract, which forms in the central (nuclear)
region of the lens and is typically associated with aging.
- Cortical cataract, characterized by the appearance of
white spokes that start in the outer periphery of the lens and progress towards
the center. This type of opacity occurs in the lens cortex, which surrounds the
central nucleus.
Cataracts develop slowly and painlessly, causing a gradual
deterioration of vision in the affected eye.
Visual problems associated with the affected eye include:
- Sensitivity to glare.
- Cloudy, hazy, or filmy vision.
- Difficulty seeing at night or in dim light.
- Double vision.
- Loss of color intensity.
- Seeing halos around lights.
- Frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions.
It is worth mentioning that cataracts lead to a decrease in vision, even in broad daylight. Most patients with this condition experience similar changes in both eyes, although one eye may be worse than the other.
Although the cause of this disease is often unknown, there
are several factors that accelerate its formation, including the following:
- Eye inflammation.
- Eye injury.
- Family history of the disease.
- Long-term use of oral steroids.
- Exposure to radiation.
- Smoking.
- Undergoing eye surgery for another eye problem.
- Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation (sunlight and others).
It is worth noting that there is another theory that
explains the formation of cataracts, which suggests that this disease occurs as
a result of oxidative changes in the lens. This is supported by nutritional
studies showing that fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants may help
prevent certain types of cataracts.
Cataracts
Cataracts, or clouding of the eye's lens, occur due to the
clumping of proteins in the lens and the formation of a white layer that
affects vision clarity. Causes of cataracts may include:
- Congenital causes, as a child can be born with cataracts,
known as congenital cataracts.
- Aging.
- Direct eye trauma.
- Exposure of the eye to acidic or alkaline chemicals.
- Eye inflammation.
- Long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
- Exposure to radiation.
- Resulting from certain diseases such as diabetes and high
blood pressure.
- Family history of cataracts.
- Use of certain types of medications.
Cataracts
Signs and symptoms of cataracts include:
- Blurred vision, where vision is like looking through a
cloudy piece of glass.
- Glare and halos around lights, especially when exposed to
sunlight.
- Myopia (nearsightedness).
- Noticing a whitish appearance in the lens of the eye.
- Double vision.
- Difficulty seeing at night.
- Seeing halos around lights.
How Are Cataracts Diagnosed
Cataracts are diagnosed through:
- Detailed medical history, comprehensive clinical
examination, and visual assessment of the patient.
- Eye imaging.
- Measurement of pupil dilation and eye pressure.
- Swinging flashlight test.
- Ophthalmoscopy.
Prevention of Cataracts
To prevent cataracts, it is recommended to:
- Quit smoking and manage conditions that can cause
cataracts, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Regular eye examinations, especially as one ages, to
detect cataracts early.
- Wear sunglasses to protect against ultraviolet rays.
Complications of Cataracts
Neglecting the treatment of cataracts increases the risk of
blindness, but the success rate of the surgery reaches 98%, making it a safe
procedure. Complications of cataracts may include:
- Complete damage to the optic nerve, leading to loss of
vision in the eye.
- The patient becomes unable to perform daily activities and
requires assistance.
Cataracts
Treatment
There is no established pharmacological treatment for
cataracts, but there are trials on the use of Aldose Reductase Inhibitors. The
therapeutic measures followed for cataract treatment include:
- Eye drops
- Glasses replacement
- Laser therapy
- Cataract surgery, where the doctor removes the cloudy
lenses and replaces them with artificial lenses
- Phacoemulsification
It is important to consult a doctor immediately in case of
sudden pain or changes in vision, and immediate treatment should be sought if
the impact on vision is significant.
alternative medicine Treatment:
Bilberry:
Contains anthocyanosides that help sharpen vision. There are also similar plants with similar effectiveness such as blueberries, cranberries, sea buckthorn, grapes, plums, and cherries.
Catnip:
Drinking a cup of catnip tea in the morning and evening reduces the likelihood of developing cataracts or eye cloudiness. It is consumed hot in winter and cold in summer.
Rosemary:
Contains more than a dozen antioxidants and has four active substances in fighting cataracts.
Carrots:
The saying that carrots are good for vision is not just a
folk tradition, but modern scientific studies have proven it. Carrots are rich
in Carotenoids, which benefit vision and reduce the risk of cancer and heart
diseases.
Brazil Nut:
This nut contains vitamin E and the mineral selenium. Selenium is found in natural lenses and is significantly reduced in lenses affected by cataracts. Eating a medium-sized fruit of this nut daily helps in preventing cataracts.
Onion:
Onions are a good source of Quercetin, a compound that studies have shown to protect against cataracts, especially in diabetic patients. It is recommended to boil the onion with its skin, remove the skin, and consume the onion. Onions are effective in all cases of cataracts, regardless of the cause.
Purslane:
Purslane is rich in vitamins C, E, carotenoids, and glutathione. Consuming half a cup of purslane provides the required amount of these nutrients. It can be added to salads or cooked as a soup and consumed.
Cataract Soak:
It is recommended to boil a gallon of water, then add wild mint, rosemary, a small spoon of ginger, and turmeric. Let it soak for 20 minutes, then drink it warm with lemon juice sweetened with honey.
Turmeric:
Turmeric contains antioxidants as well as vitamins A, C, E, and carotenoids. It protects the eyes from radicals and free radicals that lead to cataracts. Turmeric can be used as a spice in various dishes.
Capers:
Capers contain compounds that protect against cataracts
called aldose reductase inhibitors. Capers can be added to foods.
Chamomile:
Boil dried chamomile leaves (one spoon per cup of boiling
water) and drink it as it acts as a body and circulatory stimulant to produce
natural antioxidants. It is also a soothing drink and beneficial in cases of
age-related cataracts.