Causes and Symptoms of Cataract

13 May, 2009 No Comment

What is Cataract?
A cataract is a hazy or opaque portion in the lens of the human eye.

What are the Causes, incidence, and risk factors associated with Cataract?
A cataract is generally found in adults and is prevalent in the family history. Research has indicated that cataract development in an individual is normally facilitated by environmental factors, such as smoking and presence of toxic substances in the air. An eye injury may also lead to cataract defects. Moreover, metabolic diseases such as diabetes also enhance the risk for cataracts. Certain adverse effects of medicines such as cortisone, may also lead to cataract.

These metabolic congenital cataracts are generally inherited. Autosomal dominant inheritance is a dominant gene responsible for such deformations in the eye. This gene may cause cataract even if only single parent is affected. The problem runs through families.

Congenital cataracts are also caused by rubella (maternal viral infection) affecting the female during pregnancy. Metabolic disorders such as galactosemia also enhances the risk factor of cataract.

Adult cataracts are usually related with aging, develop gradually and painlessly. As a result, vision of the affected eye is further worsened. Adult cataracts usually occur around the age of 60. Approximately 50 percent of the people around 70 years and about 70 percent of people above 75 years, have cataracts deformations.

These adult cataracts are generally classified as immature, mature, and hypermature. An immature cataract is classified by the remaining clear region surrounding the lens. A mature cataract is a complete opaque structure. A hypermature cataract is classified by a liquefied surface leaking through the capsule, causing bulge and irritation to the eye.
Following are the noticeable vision problems during cataract:
• Patient experiences vision complications during night
• Seeing corona around lights
• Over sensitivity to glare

Most individuals suffering from cataract deformations have comparable changes in both eyes. However, people are generally unaware of these deformations as they have minor visual changes.

Factors significantly contributing to cataract deformation are low serum calcium levels, diabetes, prolonged corticosteroids medications, and numerous metabolic disorders. Environmental factors include trauma, radiation, and exposure to direct sunlight. However, in several cases, causes of cataract are unidentified.

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