A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye which leads to a decrease in vision.
The annual incidence of cataract blindness is about 3.8 million in India. According to WHO/NPCB ( National Programme for Control of Blindness ); there are about 22 million blind eyes ( 12 million blind people ) in India, out of which 80.1% are blind due to cataract.
Cataract develops slowly and without any pain so a person can be unaware of its development till vision and lifestyle get affected. Symptoms may include decrease in contrast sensitivity ( faded colors ), blurry vision, diplopia ( double vision ), halos around light, trouble with bright lights, and trouble seeing at night. This may result in trouble driving, reading, or recognizing faces. Poor vision caused by cataracts may also result in an increased risk of falling and depression.
Cataracts are most commonly due to aging but may also occur due to trauma or radiation exposure, be present from birth, or occur following eye surgery for other problems. Risk factors include diabetes, smoking tobacco, prolonged exposure to sunlight, and alcohol. The underlying mechanism involves accumulation of clumps of protein or yellow-brown pigment ( urochrome ) or hydration of the lens fibres that reduces transmission of light to the retina at the back of the eye.
Diagnosis is by an eye examination.
Cataract Surgery: