8 Things You Should Know About Cataracts

Since cataracts do not understand age, it is very important that we take care of our eyes and that we establish annual visits to the ophthalmologist in order to detect possible problems

When talking about cataracts you are probably thinking in terms like “vision problems” and “old people.” This is not surprising, because it is estimated that half of people who turn 80 will develop cataracts.

But that is not all. Did you know that at 40 the first symptoms begin to be noticed? Then, at 60, is when vision is most affected. So if you are approaching your 40s or have already passed it, you should keep reading and learn more about falls.

Maybe now you start to notice the first symptoms but you are not paying enough attention to them. Discover everything you need to know about the falls.

1. Cataracts do not form over the eyes

The first thing to know about cataracts is that they do not form over the eyes. Most people associate this problem with a small layer that is created above the lens of the eye.

The reality is that they form inside the eye and distorted vision occurs when the proteins that normally compress the eye glass break. This process is completely painless and you will not realize until months or years have passed, when you already require surgery.

2. Age is not a risk factor

Another thing you should know about cataracts is that your age is not decisive for their appearance. Although it is true that most of them occur in the elderly, anyone  can have this problem.

Specifically those that:

• They have undergone eye surgeries.
• They have glaucoma problems.
• They get too much sun exposure without protective glasses.

There are also cases of congenital cataracts, that is, babies born with cataracts. This can happen because they had an infection or had developmental problems due to lack of nutrients during pregnancy.

3. Symptoms of cataracts

Although cataracts progress very slowly, if you pay attention you may notice some of their symptoms in the less advanced stages. These symptoms are:

• Blurred or unclear vision.
• Loss of peripheral visual ability. That is, it will cost you more and more to see what you do not have right in front of you.
• Problems distinguishing colors.
• Trouble seeing well at night.
• Double vision.
• Sudden changes in the prescription of the lenses.

4. Cataracts can affect only one eye

Something you should also know about cataracts is that they can occur in only one eye. Although “bilateral cataracts” are the most common, some people develop this problem in one eye.

This happens when we suffer a blow or trauma to one of the eyes. That is why it is always advisable to go to the ophthalmologist when you have suffered any type of blow to the eyes or around them.

You may not feel any discomfort at the moment. What’s more, you could go a few years without any problem and one day realize that you don’t see well.

5. Your vision is affected in different ways

It is often believed that the existence of a cataract implies failure to see well. However, there are patients who develop this disease and see well with the only difference that the light affects them more than necessary.

Others have difficulty in low light or at night, but in natural light they see well.  One thing you should know about cataracts is that they do not develop the same way in everyone.

6. Surgery is not always needed

Those who start to have cataract problems can cope with less intrusive treatments. You can go years without needing surgery and without the risk of this causing you more problems.

It is important to discuss this with your doctor and assess whether the damage that you now have caused by cataracts really does not affect your daily life.

Based on this, you can make the best decision and you may find that all you need are some medications and regular visits to the ophthalmologist.

7. Cataract surgery is very common and safe

It is normal to feel fear or panic when you are told that you have cataracts and that the best procedure is surgery. If this is your case and you have doubts, you should know that it is one of the most common and safest procedures out there.

There is currently a 96% chance of success in this procedure, a statistic that makes it one of the safest interventions in medicine. This surgery only requires local anesthesia and a small incision. Points are not even required.

The surgeon will remove the natural lens from your eye, clean the accumulated debris, and implant a new lens. The process lasts from 15 to 20 minutes and in a few hours you will be back home.

After the surgery you will need to wear a protector and you will not be able to run or do activities that require exertion for a couple of weeks.

You will see that your vision is clearer the day after the surgery and in the four weeks afterwards you will completely regain normal vision and see better than ever.

8. The best way to prevent cataracts is to visit your ophthalmologist

We must go to the ophthalmologist at least once a year to prevent the appearance of cataracts and other diseases.

During the consultation you can tell him if you have noticed any of the symptoms that we mention. He will tell you if it is only a very specific problem or if you really have signs of cataract and what to do to prevent its advance.