Cataract, a common eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide, poses a significant threat to our vision. In the Philippines, it remains one of the main causes of visual impairments among Filipinos. According to a recent study conducted by the Philippine Eye Research Institute (PERI), approximately 1 million Filipinos are affected by cataract, and around 300 thousand require surgery to restore their vision.

In celebration of the sight-saving month, Trinity has prepared this article to help us better understand this condition.

What is a cataract?

Cataract is a condition that occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, causing blurry vision and other visual impairments.

In a normal eye, the lens is transparent like clear glass. It mainly helps to focus light onto the back of the eye (retina), which then sends signals to the brain to process and form images. However, if a cataract clouds over the lens, less light reaches the retina. This leads to the disruption in vision and eventually blindness in affected individuals.

The good news is that cataract is reversible. Normal vision can be restored with safe and effective surgical treatment.

What are the causes of cataract?

Most cases of cataracts are related to aging. The lens of the eye is mostly made up of protein and water. As we age, normal wear and tear causes the protein to break down and clump together, leading to clouding.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the normal changes in the eye usually begin after age 40, but the clouding usually starts to develop only after age 60.

Although most cataract cases are age-related, other factors also increase the risk of its development. These include:

  • Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus
  • Use of certain medications – such as corticosteroids that are used to treat arthritis or allergies.
  • Exposure to ultraviolet radiation without protection
  • Excessive alcohol intake
  • Smoking
  • Nutritional deficiency (specifically Vitamins C, E and carotenoids)
  • Family history of cataract

In rare cases, cataracts can be present at birth (congenital) or develop shortly after. Additionally, cataracts may form because of eye injuries or as a complication following surgery for other eye conditions, like glaucoma.

What are the symptoms of cataracts?

Cataract typically develops slowly and may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages. But as it progresses, the following symptoms may become more apparent:

  • Blurred or hazy vision: This is the most common symptom of cataract where you may feel like you're looking through a foggy or cloudy window.
  • Sensitivity to light: Bright lights, such as headlights or sunlight, may cause discomfort or glare.
  • Reduced night vision: There is difficulty in seeing in low-light conditions or at night, making it challenging to drive in the dark or read without additional lights.
  • Fading or yellowing of colors: Colors appear dull or faded, and you may have a yellowish tint to your vision.
  • Double vision. In some cases, cataract can cause double vision wherein you may see two images of a single object when you're looking at it.

If you experience any of the above symptoms and are worried that you may have cataract, visit an eye doctor to be properly diagnosed and given appropriate treatment as needed.

How is a cataract treated?

The only proven effective and permanent treatment for cataract is surgery. During the procedure, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Cataract surgery is safe and has a high success rate in improving the vision of affected individuals.

However, surgical treatment is usually only recommended if the cataract has progressed to the point that it is interfering with normal daily activities. If you are still able to function properly, or if you are not yet ready to undergo surgery, the cataract may be left in your eye. In which case, you may just do the following measures to improve your vision:

  • Get prescription glasses or contact lenses.
  • Use anti-glare sunglasses.
  • Increase the amount of light or use a magnifying glass when reading.

Remember that cataract progresses. Your symptoms may be mild in the beginning, and the abovementioned measures may help provide relief. However, these measures are only temporary, and cataract can still eventually worsen. This is why it is still important to monitor yourself for increased visual symptoms and follow a regular check-up schedule. You and your doctor can discuss your symptoms and the possibility of doing surgical treatment as necessary.

How to prevent cataract?

Age-related and congenital cases of cataract may not be entirely preventable. However, there are certain measures that you can take to reduce your risk due to other causes or delay the need to undergo surgery. These measures include the following:

  • Protect your eyes from UV radiation by wearing sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
  • Protect your eyes from injury by wearing protective eyewear when doing high-risk activities (i.e., using power tools or playing certain sports).
  • Quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption.
  • Manage underlying medical conditions like diabetes.
  • Follow a healthy diet which includes fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains.
Wellness has been a significant part of the service that Trinity provides to its Employee Benefits clients. To know more about our healthcare plans, please visit:
https://trinity-insures.com/collections/employee-benefits/products/hmo

References:

  • https://www.iapb.org/learn/vision-atlas/causes-of-vision-loss/
  • https://www.peri.ph/philippine-eye-disease-study
  • https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-are-cataracts
  • https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/cataract?sso=y
  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539699/
  • https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts#