CataractsAn overview

What is a cataract• Clouding of the lens• Most are related to aging• By 80, more than half

Americans have a cataract or have had surgery for it.

• Can occur in one or both eyes• Cannot spread from eye to

eye

Lens• Clear part of eye • Focuses light or image on

retina• Retina is light sensitive tissue

at back of eye• A cloudy lens produces an

blurred image

Other types of cataracts1. Secondary (can form after surgery,

or with other health problems)2. Traumatic (develop after injury)3. Congenital (can occur at birth)4. Radiation cataract (after exposure

to radiation)

How does it look with cataracts?

What causes cataracts?

http://www.nei.nih.gov/

•Lens: Works like camera lens. Focuses light on retina, where image recorded. Also adjusts focus, letting us see close and far. Lens made up of protein and water. •With aging, protein may clump together and start to cloud.•Researchers believe smoking/diabetes MAY contribute, or it can be wear and tear.

How it affects vision?

1. Clumps of protein reduce sharpness of image

2. Clear lens may change to yellowish/brownish color

Who is at risk for cataracts?• Diseases such as diabetes• Previous eye injury or surgery• Prolonged use of

corticosteriods• Behavior such as smoking &

alcohol• Environment such as

prolonged exposure to sun

How can I protect my eyes?• Wear sunglasses and a brimmed

hat• Stop smoking• Nutrition (eat green leafy

vegetables, fruit, etc.)• Comprehensive dilated eye exam

at least once/every 2 years.• Early treatment may save your

sight.

Symptoms & Detection• Cloudy, blurred vision• Faded colors• Glare from

headlights/lamps• Poor night vision• Double vision • Frequent prescription

changes

How is it detected?1. Visual acuity test (Eye

test for distances)2. Dilated eye exam3. Tonometry (instrument

to measure pressure in eye)

How is it treated?• Can be improved with new

eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti glare sunglasses or magnifying glasses

• Surgery (remove cloudy lens and replace with artificial lens)

• Cataract surgery will include only one eye at a time, is one of the safest and most effective types of surgery.

What research is being done?

• Effect of sunlight exposure (may be related)

• Vitamin supplements which may slow progression

• Genetic studies, to better understand cataract development

Interactive eyeClick on link below for an

interactive look at the eye• http://www.nei.nih.gov/

health/eyediagram/

More informationTutorial on cataracts from

Medline Plus:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/tutorials/cataracts/htm/_yes_50_no_0.htm

Resources

National Eye Institutehttp://www.nei.nih.gov/about/