Cataract Awareness Month: Everything You Need to Know About Cataracts

What Are Cataracts?

Given the statistics, you may assume that cataracts are a severe and widespread condition that could affect anyone’s vision. In reality, cataracts are a common and generally harmless condition that naturally occurs as we age.

To understand how cataracts develop, it's helpful to learn a bit about the structure of your eye. Inside your eye, there is a clear, flexible lens that focuses light onto the retina at the back of your eye. This allows your brain to interpret the light as an image, similar to how a camera lens works. The lens is made up of collagen (the same substance found in hair and nails) and proteins, with the majority of the lens being protein.

As we age, the proteins in the lens start to break down. Over time, these proteins begin to clump together, forming cloudy areas in the lens. As this clouding progresses, it can obstruct vision, which is why individuals with more advanced cataracts may have cloudy or milky pupils. Cataracts are a natural part of the aging process, and most people will develop them eventually, typically after the age of 40.

How Do Cataracts Develop?

While aging is the primary cause of cataracts, there are several factors that can accelerate their development or worsen their severity. These include health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, prolonged use of steroids, obesity, heavy alcohol consumption, excessive sun exposure, smoking, and previous eye injuries or surgeries. Genetics can also play a role in the development of cataracts.

Although it’s impossible to completely prevent cataracts due to the aging process, adopting healthy lifestyle habits such as eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, and avoiding smoking or excessive alcohol consumption can significantly reduce your risk of developing cataracts. 

The Different Types of Cataracts

While cataracts can lead to vision loss and are generally treated with the same surgical procedure, there are several types of cataracts, each with different characteristics. Cataracts are classified based on their location in the lens and when they develop. Here are the five most common types that eye care professionals encounter: 

• Nuclear Cataracts: Cataracts that form in the center of the lens and impact both near and far vision. 

• Cortical Cataracts: Cataracts that form on the side of the lens and block central vision. 

• Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts: Cataracts that form at the back of the lens and quickly impact vision in those with diabetic eye conditions. 

• Congenital Cataracts: Cataracts that affect children and can impact a child’s visual development. 

• Secondary Cataracts: Complications associated with cataract surgery that have similar symptoms to cataracts. 

For more information on the various types of cataracts, how they form, and the symptoms to watch for, check out our detailed guide to cataract types.

How Are Cataracts Treated?

Once a cataract has fully developed, cataract surgery is the only effective treatment. During the procedure, the surgeon will make a small incision at the junction of the clear cornea and the white part of your eye. A specialized probe is used to break up the cloudy lens, which is then suctioned out. An artificial lens is inserted through the same incision to replace the natural lens, restoring proper focus. The incision is self-sealing, so no stitches are needed, and the healing process begins immediately. Only a few eye drops are used during recovery.

The surgery typically takes no more than 10 minutes. If cataracts are present in both eyes, the surgeries are generally performed one at a time, with a few weeks in between to ensure proper healing. Recovery time varies, but most patients can resume normal activities within a day or two. To learn more about cataract surgery and other treatment options, visit our Cataract Treatment page. 

When to Seek Help for Cataracts

If you've been informed that you’re developing cataracts, you may be wondering when it’s time to seek professional treatment. The need for treatment often depends on how much the cataracts affect your daily life. For instance, if you have a small cortical cataract that isn’t obstructing your vision or causing glare, it may be best to monitor the situation for changes.

However, there are several symptoms that could signal it’s time to consult an eye care professional about cataract treatment: 

• Glare or halos around lights 

• Trouble seeing in dim or low-light settings 

• Difficulty with night driving 

• Shadowing of your vision 

• Seeing color in a yellowish hue or as extremely faded 

• Poor color vision 

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to contact Grene Vision Group and schedule a cataract consultation with one of our experienced eye care professionals.

How to Slow Down Cataract Progression

Although age-related cataracts are inevitable, incorporating healthy habits into your daily routine can help delay their onset and slow their progression. The key is to protect your eyes from oxidative stress, the "wear and tear" that causes the lens to become cloudy over time. Here are some tips to consider, and feel free to consult with your eye care provider for additional advice.

1. Wear UV-Blocking Sunglasses: Ultraviolet light accelerates lens damage. By wearing full-spectrum sunglasses, you can decrease exposure to UV rays and potentially delay cataract formation. 

2. Quit Smoking: Smokers are two to three times more likely to develop cataracts because tobacco toxins create free radicals that cloud the lens. 

3. Follow an Antioxidant-Rich Diet: Load your plate with spinach, kale, citrus fruit, berries, carrots, and fish. Vitamins C and E, lutein, and zeaxanthin neutralize oxidative stress inside the eye. 

4. Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check: Uncontrolled diabetes causes sugar molecules to bind to the lens proteins, speeding up clouding. Good glucose control can postpone surgery and slow cataract development. 

5. Use Protective Eyewear: A serious eye injury can trigger traumatic cataracts, a clouding of the lens caused by foreign objects coming in contact with the eye. Wear safety glasses during sports, yard work, or any high-risk task to reduce your exposure.