Cataracts

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What are cataracts? A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. The lens of the eye is normally clear. The lens is found behind the pupil and is the opening where light passes through the eye. The lens focuses the picture that you see into the retina (back of the eye). The picture is then sent to the brain to form an image. With cataracts, the cloudy lens makes it hard for light to pass through. This causes problems with focusing the picture on the retina correctly. Your vision may be cloudy, or hazy and blurred as a result. You may develop a cataract in one or both eyes.

What causes cataracts? It is not known what exactly causes a cataract. People 65 years of age or older are more likely to have a cataract than younger people. Cells that make up the lens change to form cataracts in old age. Any of the following may cause cataracts:

• Inherited: Rarely, a cataract may be present at birth or develop during childhood.
  
  
• Environmental: A strong blow to the eye, or your eyes being exposed to sunlight and x-rays.
  
  
• Infections: Infections caused by germs, such as viruses and bacteria.
  
  
• Metabolic diseases: This includes diabetes, low blood calcium, and high blood pressure.
  
  
• Poor nutrition: Lack of vitamins, minerals, and protein in the diet. Diarrhea (loose bowel movements) and dehydration may also increase the risk of having cataracts.
  
  
• Toxic substances: Steroid use, drinking too much alcohol, and smoking.

What are the signs and symptoms of cataracts? The most common symptom of a cataract is an increasing loss of vision. Other signs and symptoms may be any of the following:

• Cloudy, foggy, fuzzy, or hazy blurring of vision.
  
  
• Problems driving at night or in bright sunlight.
  
  
• Frequent changes of eyeglasses to try to impove your sight.
  
  
• Double vision.
  
  
• Problem seeing shades of colors.

How are cataracts diagnosed? You may have any of the following tests:

• Visual acuity test: Your vision, eye pressure, and eye movements are checked with this test.
  
  
• Ophthalmoscopy: This is also called a fundoscopy. An instrument called an ophthalmoscope is used to see the back of your eyes. Eye drops may be put into your eyes to dilate (open) your pupil which is the dark center part of your eye.
  
  
• Slit-lamp test: This test uses a microscope with a strong light to look into your eyes.

How are cataracts treated? You may have any of the following:

• Nonsurgical: When symptoms somewhat affect your work or daily activities, you may need to use eyeglasses or contact lenses. You may also want to use a magnifying glass. Other ways to treat cataracts may include using sunglasses when outdoors, and improving the lighting in your home.
  
  
• Surgical: If daily activities get harder because of your eyesight, you may need surgery to remove your cataract. An intraocular lens, also called an IOL, may be put into your eye to replace the damaged lens. Ask your caregiver for more information about an IOL.

How should I take care of my eyes?

• Wear sunglasses if bright light or the sun bothers your eyes.
  
  
• Do not smoke. It is never too late to quit smoking if you smoke. Smoking harms the heart, lungs, and the blood. You are more likely to have a heart attack, lung disease, and cancer if you smoke. You will help yourself and those around you by not smoking. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to stop smoking if you have trouble quitting.

Where can I find support and more information? Having cataracts is a life-changing condition for you and your family. Accepting that you have cataracts may be hard. You and those close to you may feel frightened and sad. These feelings are normal. Talk to your caregivers, family, or friends about your feelings. Contact the following for more information:

• National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health
  202 Vision Pl.
  Bethesda, MD 20892-3655
  Phone: 1-301-496-5248
  Web Address: www.nei.nih.gov
  

• American Academy of Ophthalmology
  7424
  San Francisco, CA 941207424
  Phone: 1-415-5618500
  Web Address: http://www.aao.org/
  

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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