Cataracts: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

What Exactly is a Cataract?

Imagine the lens of your eye is like a camera lens. Early in your life, this lens is perfectly clear and flexible. It allows you to focus on what you're looking at, both near and far, to form a sharp image on your retina.

With a cataract, this lens loses its transparency. It gradually becomes cloudy and yellowed, much like a window that gets dirty or foggy over time. This makes it difficult for light to pass through to the retina, and your vision becomes increasingly blurry.

It's important to understand that a cataract is not a film or membrane growing over your eye. It is the lens inside your eye that is losing its clarity. This is usually a slow process that most often affects both eyes, but not always at the same rate.

What are the Main Causes of Cataracts?

Several factors can cause the lens to become cloudy. Knowing the causes and symptoms of cataracts is the first step to protecting your sight.

Ageing: The Main Factor

The most common cause of cataracts is simply ageing. Over the years, the proteins that make up the lens change and clump together, making it less transparent. This is why cataracts are very common in people over the age of 60. It's a natural phenomenon, like getting white hair.

Other Causes and Risk Factors in Africa

Beyond age, certain factors can speed up the development of cataracts, and they are particularly relevant on our continent:

• Sun exposure: Long and heavy exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays without protection is a major risk factor. In Africa, where the sun is intense, it is crucial to protect your eyes.
• Diabetes: People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cataracts, and at a younger age. Poorly controlled blood sugar levels can damage the lens.
• Eye injuries: A hard blow, injury, or previous eye surgery can weaken the lens and cause a "traumatic" cataract.
• Certain medications: The long-term use of certain treatments, such as corticosteroids, can encourage the development of cataracts.
• Malnutrition: A diet low in vitamins and antioxidants can also play a role.
• Tobacco and alcohol: Excessive consumption of these is recognised as a risk factor.

Recognising the Symptoms: When Should You Be Concerned?

The symptoms of cataracts appear slowly and gradually. You will not feel any pain. That's why it's important to pay attention to changes in your vision. One of the first symptoms is blurry and hazy vision.

Here are the signs to watch out for:

• Blurry or misty vision: It's like looking through a veil or a dirty window.
• Increased glare: Sunlight, streetlights, or the headlights of oncoming cars at night become very distracting, even painful.
• Need for more light: You find yourself needing brighter and brighter light for reading or for close-up activities.
• Altered colour perception: Colours appear less bright, faded, or yellowish.
• Double vision (diplopia): You may see two images of the same object with one eye.
• Frequent changes in glasses: Your glasses prescription changes rapidly without providing a lasting improvement to your vision.

If you or a loved one recognises one or more of these symptoms, it's time to see a professional.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Cataracts in Africa

When faced with these symptoms, there's no time to lose. The good news is that cataracts are easily diagnosed and treated very effectively.

Diagnosis: A Simple and Painless Step

A cataract diagnosis is made during a complete eye examination. At Lapaire, we understand the importance of easy access to eye care. That's why, in our branches across several African countries, our qualified opticians can perform a free eye test. During this exam, they will assess your visual acuity and examine your eyes. If they suspect a cataract or another eye health issue, they will advise you and refer you to an ophthalmologist for a confirmed diagnosis and appropriate care.

Cataract Surgery: The Only Effective Solution

Initially, new glasses can sometimes help improve vision. But the only way to permanently cure a cataract is with surgery. The treatment for cataracts in Africa is primarily done this way.

Cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest surgical procedures in the world. The procedure is quick (about 15-30 minutes) and is performed under local anaesthesia. The surgeon removes the clouded lens and replaces it with a clear, artificial lens called an intraocular lens. This implant is permanent and allows you to regain clear vision, often without needing glasses for distance vision.

Can Cataracts Be Prevented?

Age-related cataracts cannot be completely prevented. However, you can take simple steps to delay their onset or slow their progression. This is sometimes referred to as natural prevention of cataracts.

Here are a few practical tips:

• Protect your eyes from the sun: This is the most important step. Always wear good-quality sunglasses that filter 100% of UV rays. A wide-brimmed hat is also an excellent addition.
• Eat a healthy diet: Eat plenty of colourful fruits and vegetables (spinach, carrots, corn, citrus fruits). They are rich in antioxidants that protect the cells in your eyes.
• Manage your diabetes: If you have diabetes, good control of your blood sugar is essential for your eye health.
• Stop smoking: Smoking doubles the risk of developing cataracts.
• Have regular check-ups: An eye exam every one to two years after the age of 40 helps detect cataracts and other problems at an early stage.

Cataracts are no longer the dreaded disease they once were. Although symptoms like blurry vision can be worrying, it is essential to remember that it is a well-understood and treatable condition. By knowing the causes, paying attention to the early warning signs, and taking preventive measures, you can take control of your visual health. Today, cataract surgery is a safe and effective procedure that has already changed the lives of millions of people by restoring their clear vision.

Don't wait for your vision to decline before taking action. Book an appointment today for a free eye test at one of our Lapaire branches. It's the first simple and accessible step to taking care of your eyes.

This article is for informational purposes. For a personalized diagnosis, consult a Lapaire optician.