Cataract
A cataract is also known as a “curtain on the eye” among people. It is an eye disease that occurs when the natural lens of the eye becomes dull and loses its transparency with various stains on its surface. In the initial stage of cataract, it manifests itself with symptoms such as blurring of near vision and fading in perceived colors. However, as the process progresses, problems in both near and far vision increase.
Cataracts are more common in people aged 60 and over due to aging. This is because the human eye is the sensory organ most rapidly affected by the aging process. However, the opinion that the disease is only seen in advanced ages does not fully reflect the truth. Because congenital, genetic, and environmental factors are also effective in the emergence of certain types of disease. Cataracts, which is the most common eye problem that causes permanent vision loss in the world, is seen in approximately 25 million people every year. Due to the intense effect of sunlight, the incidence of the disease is higher in hot regions such as Africa and South America.
What Causes Cataract?
When it comes to cataract causes, different factors should be mentioned. The most common cause of cataracts is the changes in the structure of the intraocular lens due to aging. Especially if the disease is encountered in people under the age of 50, different reasons can be seen. Hereditary causes are also effective in the formation of the disease.
- The causes of cataract formation are as follows:
- Disorders in metabolism such as diabetes
- Eye traumas as a result of a blow to the eye
- Various complications after previous eye surgery
- Exposure to prolonged sunlight without eye protection
- Exposure to radiation over a long period of time
- Long-term use of cortisone drugs.
A cataract is an eye disease that is seen in an average of 25 million people every year in the world. Cataract, which is the first among progressive vision loss over the age of 40, does not cause permanent blindness.
Cataract symptoms are often as follows: Difficulty in reading, Difficulty seeing details, Gradual decrease in vision, Sensitivity to light, Double vision, Fading and yellowing of colors, Frequent changes in eyeglasses numbers, Impaired night vision, Difficulty driving a vehicle.
Once a cataract has formed, there is no way to stop its progression. However, paying attention to some issues can prevent or slow down the occurrence of the disease. • Wearing sunglasses outdoors where sunlight is intense. • Eating a diet rich in omega 3. • Adopting a vegetable and fruit-heavy eating habit called the Mediterranean diet. • Not smoking and quitting if smoking. • Not to use cortisone drugs except in compulsory situations. • To protect the eyes against external impacts.