Introduction

Cataracts are common eye conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. They occur due to the clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. The lens is the transparent part of the eye that focuses light and transmits it to the retina. 

Cataracts are usually age-related, related to age, but can also occur due to other causes. While cataracts commonly develop slowly over time, it is important to recognise the early signs of the disease in order to seek professional help to preserve vision and maintain optimal eye health. In this article, we will discuss the key signs and symptoms of cataracts to highlight the importance of seeking professional help early for better outcomes. 

Understanding cataracts

What are cataracts?

Cataracts occur due to an opacification or clouding of the lens or its surrounding. The normally clear lens is therefore obstructed and blurs the light that passes under normal conditions from the lens to the retina, which allows clear vision. 

Types of cataracts  

• Congenital cataract: Is a cataract that happens before birth or during the first year of a baby. It ranges from mild to severe and can affect one eye or both eyes of the infant¹
• Age-related cataracts, also called senile cataracts, are the most common type of cataract and appear with age, commonly in the fifth and sixth decades. According to their location, they are divided into: subcapsular cataract, nuclear sclerotic cataract, and cortical cataract
• Traumatic cataract: They are caused by an injury to an eye, which can be traumatic, chemical, electric or radiation. They can appear immediately or can develop years later
• Secondary cataracts: They are usually caused by other conditions. General conditions like diabetes, poor nutrition, smoking or ocular conditions like glaucoma, steroid use or trauma to the eye

Risk factors²

• Environmental: These are factors that we come across in our surroundings. They are noxious components that can lead to the destruction of cells in the eyes. They include: air pollution, pesticides, and tobacco smoke
• Medical: These are underlying medical conditions that can lead to cataract formation in the long term. They include diabetes, corticosteroid use, and other eye conditions that can lead to cataracts, like glaucoma, uveitis, retinitis pigmentosa
• Genetic: Having a family history of cataract can place you at risk of having cataract later in life. Some children may have cataracts at birth or early in life, which are due to some genetic mutations

Common signs and symptoms of cataracts³

• Blurred or cloudy vision

This usually advances over time, making your vision cloudy or foggy.  As it advances over time, you will begin experiencing difficulty with doing regular everyday activities like reading or driving.

• Increased sensitivity to glare and difficulty seeing in low light

One of the early signs of cataract is sensitivity to light. You may face difficulty with sunlight and bright light, which may cause halos in your vision. You may strive to drive at night due to the flashlights. 

• Double vision in one eye

Some people also encounter double vision in one eye. This is due to the clouding of the lens, which causes scattering of the light that enters through the lens and leads to multiple, incomplete images. 

• Changes in colour perception

Clouding of the lens also affects the colour perception of the eye. Over time, if left untreated, it may get harder to differentiate between colours.

• Frequent changes in prescription glasses or contact lenses

One of the signs of cataract is the frequent need to change glasses. People afflicted with cataracts face difficulty with vision deterioration that impacts their daily life, and have the need to change their glasses or contact lenses to see with more clarity. 

When to seek professional help

Recognising significant changes in vision

It is essential to recognise the early symptoms of cataract and solicit a professional consultation. The most common complaint is change in vision that becomes hazy or foggy, which can interfere with everyday activities such as reading and driving. Recognising the presence of cataract in early stages allows better management and prevention of sight loss. 

Arranging an eye exam and the importance of consulting an eye care professional

Our eyes are part of the 5 senses and hence, are of utmost importance for leading a fully effective life. Visiting an eye specialist will help recognise early disease and make a treatment plan for more desirable results. 

The recommended frequency of eye examination depends on the age, risk factors and the rate of cataract advancement. It is usually every year, but can be less than a year, depending on the factors mentioned previously.⁴

There are three types of eye specialists:⁵

• Ophthalmologist: a medical doctor who received training in ophthalmology. They can treat eye problems both surgically and medically
• Optometrist: not a medical doctor, but a skilled professional who is qualified in conducting different eye examinations and vision tests. They can also order lenses to fix vision issues and order some medications for eye problems
• Optician: a skilled technician who is qualified to equip you with the correct eyeglasses lenses and a variety of frames or contact lenses to rectify your vision issue

Diagnostic procedures

To diagnose a cataract, an eye care professional can proceed to some eye examinations to confirm the presence of cataract and identify the stage of cataract and if there are any other associated eye conditions. The most commonly used eye examination methods are the following:

1. Visual acuity tests:⁶ This is a test that is used to check how well you can see. It is an easy test during which a skilled eye professional will ask you to read letters or symbols of different sizes at a certain distance with each eye differently to evaluate the accuracy of your vision. This test helps specify the type of glasses that are more suitable to correct your vision as you will be asked to wear different glasses and retake the test if your eyes do not see well
2. Slit-lamp examination:⁷ This is a component of routine eye examination during which, with the help of a specialised microscope linked with a light, an eye specialist will see different parts of your eyes, including the lens, to evaluate for the presence of cataract. 
3. Retinal examination: During this examination, your examiner will first use special eye drops to dilate your pupils and will then use special equipment that will look directly into your retina and the back of your eyes and also provide a better view of your cataract. 

Treatment options

Cataract treatment can be conservative or surgical.8 Early-stage cataracts are managed conservatively with regular monitoring, lifestyle modification as cessation of smoking, using anti-glare sunglasses, and updating eyeglass prescription. 

Surgery is the ultimate treatment for cataract, during which a trained eye surgeon removes the affected eye lens and replaces it with an artificial, clear lens. Cataract surgery is generally considered an uncomplicated and safe procedure with a high success rate. 

Conclusion

Cataracts are among the most common eye diseases and the most common cause of blindness in the world. Vision affection varies through different stages and can affect globally the life quality of affected individuals: from blurry vision, difficulty performing daily tasks like reading and driving, to a final stage of loss of vision. 

Cataract progression can be prevented by having healthy life habits such as smoking cessation, healthy diet, control of blood sugar and regular eye examinations. 

Cataracts can be managed by medical or surgical treatment, and that depends on the cause and the stage of the disease.

Our eyes are one of the 5 senses and allow us to see and explore the beauty of life, We should take care of them!