Cataract

Yesterday we had an early appointment with our eye doctor. Dave and I were scheduled for Tonometry. An eye exam using an instrument that measures the pressure inside the eye.

For the past yearly eye exams that I had, it was found out that my eyes has high pressure and I have some damaged nerves in my eyes. There is no telling how it happened because I never had eye exam until I was here in the USA.

Anyway, I just want to share some facts about Cataract which I found from National Eye Institute.

What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision. Most cataracts are related to aging. Cataracts are very common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery. A cataract can occur in either or both eyes. It cannot spread from one eye to the other.

Other types of cataract?
Although most cataracts are related to aging, there are other types of cataract:

1. Secondary cataract. Cataracts can form after surgery for other eye problems, such as glaucoma. Cataracts also can develop in people who have other health problems, such as diabetes. Cataracts are sometimes linked to steroid use.
2. Traumatic cataract. Cataracts can develop after an eye injury, sometimes years later.
3. Congenital cataract. Some babies are born with cataracts or develop them in childhood, often in both eyes. These cataracts may be so small that they do not affect vision. If they do, the lenses may need to be removed.
4. Radiation cataract. Cataracts can develop after exposure to some types of radiation.

What are the symptoms of a cataract?
The most common symptoms of a cataract are:

* Cloudy or blurry vision.
* Colors seem faded.
* Glare. Headlights, lamps, or sunlight may appear too bright. A halo may appear around lights.
* Poor night vision.
* Double vision or multiple images in one eye. (This symptom may clear as the cataract gets larger.)
* Frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contact lenses.
* These symptoms also can be a sign of other eye problems. If you have any of these symptoms, check with your eye care professional.

How is a cataract detected?
Cataract is detected through a comprehensive eye exam that includes:

1. Visual acuity test. This eye chart test measures how well you see at various distances.
2. Dilated eye exam. Drops are placed in your eyes to widen, or dilate, the pupils. Your eye care professional uses a special magnifying lens to examine your retina and optic nerve for signs of damage and other eye problems. After the exam, your close-up vision may remain blurred for several hours.
3. Tonometry. An instrument measures the pressure inside the eye. Numbing drops may be applied to your eye for this test.

To know more about cataracts ... please visit National Eye Institute.