Cataract Exploration: Signs, Root Causes, and Procedures
Cataracts, a common eye condition that causes clouding of the lens, can significantly impact vision. Here's what you need to know about this condition, its causes, and how to prevent it.
There are three main types of cataracts: nuclear cataracts, cortical cataracts, and posterior subcapsular cataracts. Nuclear cataracts, which affect the centre of the lens, can cause discolouration and gradually impair distance vision. Cortical cataracts, with their spoke-like appearance, may cause glare and blurriness. Posterior subcapsular cataracts, occurring at the back of the lens, are more common in younger people and can cause problems with vision, particularly at night and with glare.
Cataracts are primarily associated with ageing, but certain health conditions can increase the risk. These include high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes mellitus, atopic dermatitis, myotonic dystrophy, type 2 neurofibromatosis, hypoparathyroidism, chronic anterior uveitis, high myopia, alcohol use disorder, a deficiency of certain vitamins and antioxidants, such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and zinc, smoking, and a sedentary lifestyle. Diabetes, in particular, is linked to the development of cataracts due to the damaging effects of high blood sugar levels on the eye's lens.
Diabetes causes cataracts by two major damaging processes in the lens: sorbitol accumulation and osmotic stress, and glycation of lens proteins. Sorbitol, an osmotically active substance, attracts water into the lens, causing swelling and disrupting the precise arrangement of lens proteins responsible for transparency. Glycation, the non-enzymatic attachment of sugar molecules to lens proteins, stiffens and damages the proteins, causing them to clump and form advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs cause the lens to lose its clarity and flexibility, essential for focusing, thereby promoting cataract development.
Diabetic patients are up to five times more likely to develop cataracts at an earlier age compared to non-diabetics. Over 8% of type 1 and about 25% of type 2 diabetics require cataract surgery within a decade of diagnosis. Damage to tiny blood vessels in the eye and swelling of the fluid between the eyeball and cornea due to high glucose also contribute to this risk.
While good glucose control helps reduce protein damage and prevent other complications in the eye, it may not fully eliminate the risk of cataract development. Regular eye screenings are crucial for early detection and management in diabetic patients.
For those concerned about cataracts, speaking with an eye doctor, also known as an ophthalmologist, is advisable. They will likely carry out some tests to diagnose cataracts and discuss treatment options, which may include surgery. During cataract surgery, the clouded lens is removed and replaced with a new lens.
Preventing cataracts involves adopting healthy lifestyle habits. This includes avoiding or quitting smoking, eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, especially dark green leafy vegetables, maintaining a suitable body mass index (BMI), working with the healthcare team to manage conditions such as diabetes, wearing sunglasses that block UV radiation, doing regular physical activity, wearing eye protection when doing tasks where there is a risk of something penetrating the eye, and managing health conditions such as diabetes.
Cataracts are the most common cause of vision loss worldwide. If you experience symptoms such as blurry vision, seeing double, changes in colour vision, difficulty with night vision, sensitivity to glare, a halo effect around light, and a frequent need to change the prescription for glasses or contact lenses, it's important to consult an eye doctor.
[1] Diabetes and Cataracts: Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8096410/ [2] Diabetic Cataract. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/diabetic-cataract-prevention-and-treatment [3] Diabetes and Cataracts. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/cataracts/art-20045694 [4] Diabetic Cataracts. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetic-cataracts
- Science has revealed three main types of cataracts: nuclear, cortical, and posterior subcapsular, each affecting different parts of the lens and causing varying degrees of vision impairment.
- Aging is the primary cause of cataracts, but several medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and certain skin conditions, can increase the risk.
- Diabetes, characterized by high blood sugar levels, causes cataracts through sorbitol accumulation and glycation of lens proteins, leading to protein damage and ultimately cataract development.
- Diabetic patients are at a higher risk of developing cataracts at an earlier age, with over 8% of type 1 and about 25% of type 2 diabetics requiring cataract surgery within a decade of diagnosis.
- Good glucose control can reduce protein damage and prevent other eye complications in diabetic patients, but it may not completely eliminate the risk of cataract development.
- Regular eye screenings are crucial for early detection and management, especially for those with conditions like diabetes that increase the risk of cataracts.
- To prevent cataracts, it's recommended to adopt healthy lifestyle habits, such as quitting smoking, eating nutritious foods, maintaining a healthy weight, managing health conditions like diabetes, and wearing sunglasses and eye protection.
- Symptoms of cataracts, including blurry vision, changes in color vision, and sensitivity to glare, should prompt an individual to consult an eye doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment, which may include therapies, treatments, or surgery.
