For cataract, experts stress importance of early diagnosis and treatment of this overlooked eye condition, says TEAM VIVA
The month June marks Cataract Awareness Month — an opportunity to spotlight one of the world’s leading causes of reversible blindness. Despite the simplicity and success of cataract treatment, public understanding of the condition remains limited.
Recognising the Symptoms
Cataracts tend to develop slowly, which means symptoms can be overlooked or mistaken for general ageing. The most common signs include blurred or cloudy vision, increased sensitivity to light and glare, seeing halos around lights, and frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions. Often, colours may begin to appear faded or less vibrant. Unfortunately, these changes can easily be attributed to normal ageing or ignored until they begin to interfere significantly with daily tasks such as reading, driving, or recognising faces. Once this interference occurs, it is essential to seek an eye examination without delay.
Understanding Cataract
Cataracts remain one of the leading causes of reversible blindness globally. Despite this, a significant portion of the population still lacks adequate understanding of what cataracts are and how effectively they can be treated. Even within the more educated sections of society, there can be delays in seeking timely intervention — often due to apprehensions surrounding surgical procedures.
In under-served or rural communities, the situation is even more pressing. There is often little awareness about the treatability of cataracts. India is fortunate to have extensive and effective ophthalmic outreach programmes, even in remote areas. Better public education about the symptoms of cataract and its treatment could go a long way in encouraging more people to take proactive steps for their eyesight.
Even IN more educated societIES, there can be delays in seeking timely intervention due to underestimating the seriousness of a gradual decline in vision
When Do Cataracts Develop?
Cataracts occur when the natural crystalline lens of the eye which begins developing in the womb undergoes degenerative changes. Age-related cataract is the most prevalent type, usually forms around the age of 50. Cataracts can also appear earlier in life due to several contributing factors. These include diabetes, prolonged use of steroid medications, or excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Lifestyle choices such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, and extended exposure to sunlight can also accelerate the development of cataracts.
Cataracts in Younger Individuals
Although cataracts are primarily associated with ageing, they can indeed occur at younger ages. Congenital cataracts, for example, may be present at birth or develop during infancy. In such cases, a family history of childhood cataracts often serves as a genetic indicator. Additionally, traumatic cataracts — resulting from injury to the eye — can develop within days or weeks, progressing far more rapidly than age-related cataracts. Regular screening and eye check-ups are particularly important in children, as they may struggle to articulate visual difficulties.
— Inputs from Dr Pooja Prabhu, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital