Sight place after the light rays enter the eye through the pupil and we focus on the retina, which is a network formed by light-sensitive cells at the back of the eye. Stimulation of the retina requires the participation of the cornea and structures such as the discs, called crystalline lens. Typically, the natural lens has the appearance of a clear and transparent that serve to help focus light on the retina to create a sharp image of the object we we see. Cataract refers to opaque or cloudy area is formed on the eye's natural lens that prevents light reaching the cells in the retina, leading to partial or total loss of vision.
What causes cataracts?
Water and protein make up the majority of the crystalline lens, which makes absolute transparency and optical functions on the nature of these proteins are arranged in concentric layers and the complete absence of blood vessels. As we get older, there is an increase over the protein layer on the surface of the crystal, which makes the lens hardens and loses crystal clear display. Cataracts usually develop as a result of aging, causing loss of sharp vision and also affects other visual functions including contrast sensitivity and color perception, seriously affecting the quality of your life.
Types of cataracts
Depending on the causes and medical management are prescribed to treat it, cataract can be classified into four types, such as senile, congenital, traumatic, and secondary cataracts.
Senile cataract
This is the most common cause of cataracts. As we get older, the central area of the crystalline lens usually harden, resulting in loss of lens transparency. As a result, people over the age of 60, usually experience a gradual decline in visual acuity in both eyes. If left untreated, blindness can occur. It is not considered a disease but normal and inevitable result of aging. Risk factors for developing cataracts include family history, prolonged exposure to sunlight (ultraviolet radiation), smoking, and eating a diet poor in antioxidants. If blurred vision due to cataract makes you harder to do your normal activities (such as cooking, reading, driving, etc.), then the cataract surgery must be done to restore your eyesight.
Congenital cataracts
Cataracts were diagnosed at birth is called congenital and may not be detected during infancy. This type of cataract is often inherited, although it is also associated with birth defects. Sometimes, congenital cataracts do not have an identifiable cause (idiopathic cataract), intrauterine infection and some metabolic disorders can cause this type of cataract.
Congenital cataracts are rare, but 3 of the 10 cases of infant blindness caused by congenital cataracts. It can affect one or both eyes. Usually, surgical treatment is recommended. Prognosis and recovery of sight to the operation would be better if administered in the early stages, although routine eye check-ups usually continue to be required throughout the life of the patient.
Traumatic cataracts
Ocular trauma is the first cause of cataracts in people under the age of 60. This Cataracts develop after an eye injury, reduce vision quickly. Penetration of eye injuries can cause crystalline lens opacity rapidly, but sometimes it may take months or years to develop.
Secondary cataracts
Type cataracts develop as a consequence-or in connection with- some systemic chronic conditions or diseases of the eye. Surgical treatment and visual prognosis will depend on the severity and control of systemic disease. Diabetes remains a major cause of secondary cataracts.
Symptoms and characteristics of Cataracts
Cataracts further reduces visual acuity in one or both eyes. The time period for this condition occurs varies among individuals. Although cataracts develop slowly and painlessly, there are symptoms that can be observed before or after seeing a vision problem. Here are the symptoms of cataracts:
Eyes blurred, bleak or as a shadow clouds or smoke.
Difficult to see at night
Sensitive to bright lights, making it difficult to drive at night.
There is a circle of light when looking at the lights
Color tends to fade or turn yellow when viewing
Double vision if you see with one eye. Cataracts can make you see different images in both eyes.
Why diabetics are more likely to develop cataracts?
People with diabetes are 2-4 times more likely to develop cataracts than non-diabetics. Now, how diabetes can lead to the formation of cataracts? The answer to this question is related to blood glucose levels in diabetics. Crystalline lens maintain metabolic functions by taking nutrients (such as glucose and amino acids) of the aqueous humor (the transparent liquid that fills the space between the lens and the cornea). In cases of diabetes are undiagnosed or uncontrolled glucose levels in the aqueous humor increased. Hence, more molecules of glucose was given to the lens. Accumulation of glucose in the lens swells affect protein structure and optical properties.
These changes disrupt the visual capacity and can not be matched by conventional corrective glasses. Over time, metabolic and functional disorders cause additional loss of lens transparency, especially visual difficulties and permanent result.
How do I prevent cataracts in diabetes?
If you have diabetes, there are two important steps that you should follow to prevent or delay the onset of cataracts.
1. Always control your blood sugar. Remember, uncontrolled blood sugar will inevitably lead to all kinds of complications of diabetes (acute or chronic). People who keep their blood sugar levels closer to normal will have healthier eyes and heart, brain, kidneys, and legs as well. Therefore, maintaining tight control of blood sugar every day is a key strategy to prevent cataracts, as well as other complications.
2. Do you have your eyes examined? at least once a year, by an ophthalmologist. Regular visits to the eye doctor may be required depending on your diabetes control. If the cataract is detected, your doctor can indicate the right treatment or if you want to discuss cataract surgery.
Thus our article on the relationship between diabetes and cataracts, may be useful. Do not forget to share ya.
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