A cataract is a disease of the eye which causes the lens of the eye, behind the pupil to become cloudy, which makes the pupil look grey or white.

Types of cataracts.

Traumatic cataracts: This is caused by serious injuries which cause damage to the lens. It could form soon after the injury or many years later.

Age-related cataracts: As you advance in age, a cataract is likely to be formed because of the natural changes in the lens of the eye. It is the most common type of cataract. You may develop this type of cataract if you:

• Drink too much alcohol.

• Have diabetes.

• Smoke.

• Have had certain surgeries like, glaucoma surgery.

• Have a family history of cataracts.

• Take steroids (a medicine used to treat some health issues, like arthritis and allergies).

Radiation cataracts: some radiation can cause cataracts. This includes ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun.

Pediatric cataracts: Cataracts in children are rare, they are mostly hereditary, meaning they run in families. They can also happen because of serious problems during pregnancy, or because of illness during childhood like a tumour of the eye. Children can also get cataracts for the same reason as an adult. If pediatric cataracts are large enough, they need to be treated right away, it is crucial to treat them at an early stage to avoid other vision problems.

Secondary cataracts: It is possible to develop scar tissue in the eye after surgery which can make your vision cloudy again. Secondary cataracts are common.

Symptoms of cataracts.

• Colours look faded.
• You see a halo around lights.
• Your vision is cloudy or blurry.
• You have to change the prescription for your glasses or contact lens often.
• You see double ( this sometimes goes away as the cataract gets bigger).

Causes of cataracts.

As you grow older, some normal changes occur in the eye, these changes cause cataracts. A cataract is formed when the proteins in the lens of the eye break down and clump together to form a cloudy area on the lens of the eye. These changes happen to people who are 40 years old and above. Over time, the cataract gets worse and makes more of your lens cloudy.

Treatment of cataracts.

Cataracts can be treated surgically which is the only way to treat them, but you may not need to get surgery right away. You may be able to make small changes to manage cataracts by doing things like:

• Wearing anti-glare glasses.
• Using brighter light at home or work.
• Using magnifying lenses for reading and other activities.

How can cataracts be prevented?

You can prevent cataracts by:

• Protecting your eyes from the sun, with the use of sunglasses and a hat with a brim to block the sun.
• Eating healthy foods that improve the eye such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and whole grains.
• Protecting your eye from injuries while doing activities like playing certain sports, wearing protective eyewear will protect the eye from getting accidentally injured.
• Quitting smoking.

In conclusion, cataracts can lead to total blindness if left untreated, you should call the attention of your doctor once you notice any sign of cataracts.