The problem

Cataract is the commonest cause of blindness globally. It accounts for about half of all blindness. It is a cloudiness of the usually transparent lens of the eye. This is the structure that allows light pass through to the back of the eye. It appears as a white speck in the eye. Objects may appear blurry or double vision, colours may appear "faded, and there may be scattering of bright light. There is usually no pain unless when associated with inflammation.

Who can be affected?

It usually affects older adults from about the age of 50 years. It occurs as part of the normal aging process, just like having grey hair. However, it can occur in any age group including children. A child with cataract should be evaluated and treated as soon as possible.

It can also arise from trauma to the eye, inflammation of the eye, as a complication of poorly controlled diabetes, abuse of steroid medications and smoking.

How can it be managed?

It eventually leads to blindness if left untreated. The good news is, surgery can reverse cataract blindness, resulting in instant visual rehabilitation if successful. An intraocular lens is now usually inserted at the time of surgery.

Parting words

Cataract that occurs as part of the normal aging process is not really a bad thing. However, blindness from cataract is. Cataract surgery is one of the most cost effective medical interventions. As such, nobody should have to be blind from such a reversible disease.

See your eye doctor if you think you may have cataracts.

#CataractAwarenessMonth #EyeHealth #BlindnessPrevention

Learn more about cataracts here.