|
| Cataract | Cataract is a film or a clouding of the natural lens located behind the iris and the pupil and grown within the eye leading to the appearance of double or blurred images. The work of the lens is similar to a camera lens; the principle of focusing light onto the retina at the back of the eye is the same. The lens is also possible to adjust the eye's focus and see images letting us see things at a close and far distance. The main components of the lens are water and protein. Thanks to the protein the lens is kept clear and the light is passed through it. With age certain quantity of protein clumps together and covers a small part of the lens leading to the appearance of a cataract. It can become larger with age making a normal vision worse. Cataract prevents the light to be focused and clear, sharp images to be produced. It may appear with age approximately after 55 and lead to the loss of vision. Other causes of cataracts are also possible; they are eye injuries, some medications, and illnesses such as diabetes and alcoholism. Some doctors think that exposure to ultraviolet light can lead to cataract development, that’s why sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat that reduce your exposure are recommended. Cataract that appears with age can cause blindness.
There are three kinds of cataracts: a nuclear, cortical and subcapsular cataract.
* A nuclear cataract is the most widespread and visible form. It is formed in the nucleus, the center of the lens and appears with age.
* A cortical cataract appears at first in the lens cortex and moves with time from the outside of the lens to the center. Such form is widespread within diabetics.
* A subcapsular cataract begins at the back of the lens. People with diabetes, high farsightedness, retinitis pigmentosa or those taking high doses of steroids may develop a subcapsular cataract.
When a cataract appears, at first it produces little discomfort, insignificant blurred vision like through a cloudy glass is possible. People with such illness consider the sun or a lamp light extremely bright or glaring. The headlights at night seem to have much glare too. Colors lose their brightness. The symptoms of a cataract are hazy or blurred vision. The symptoms depend on the type of cataract and the time of their appearance. When a nuclear cataract appears, your near vision gets better temporary, it is known as "second sight." As soon as the cataract grows, the vision gets worse. There are no symptoms in the case of
a subcapsular cataract. When it is well-developed and grown, it becomes obvious. If there are any concerns of having a cataract, one should apply to an eye doctor who wills exam your eyes.
Cataract may be treated with new glasses, strong bifocals, according lighting is also recommended. This intraocular lens or IOL can also be applied for the replacement of the cataract patient's clouded natural lens. Instead of the patient's clouded natural lens the surgeon implants a clear, plastic intraocular lens (IOL). The color of the lens material is yellow, through the lens blue light is filtered out and it may make harm to eyes. There are various kinds of intraocular lens. Presbyopia-correcting IOLs make you able to see at all distances. There are lenses that block both ultraviolet and blue light rays that can cause the damage of the retina. The problem of cataract can easily be solved with a simple, successful and painless surgery. After the surgery vision quickly gets better. Such surgery is a widespread way of returning good vision.
It is recommended to take inside certain herbs, nutritional supplements, and healthy foods that are able to lessen the risk of developing cataracts. You should keep in mind that previous consultation with a doctor about their use is required. If people eat food rich in antioxidants and certain vitamins, the possibility of cataracts’ appearance or its progression lessens. Oxidation is the procedure of taking electron from other molecules, healthy cells of organs and other tissues and damaging of the body with free radicals. In the eye
proteins and fats in the lens get damaged with oxidation leading to damaged and cloudy vision known as cataracts. If you eat healthy foods rich in antioxidants, this process can be slowed or even prevented. Among the sources of free radicals there are exposure to pollution or chemicals, smoking, radiation exposure, the consummation of unhealthy foods and sometimes normal daily metabolism having a lack of antioxidants in the eaten food. Antioxidants may be some vitamins and phytochemicals available in the foods, for example vitamin C, vitamin A, lutein and vitamin E. It is recommended to eat a lot of fruits and colorful or dark green vegetables.
Besides a healthy diet containing a lot of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may lessen the risk of cataracts or prevent its development. Supplementation with N-acetyl and L-cysteine may be also helpful for this purpose. It is recommended to keep to a healthy diet. A healthy diet should contain five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables consumed daily, at least three servings of 100% whole grains daily, and two servings of fish weekly. The amount of calories should be enough for daily activit, normal metabolism and the maintainance of a healthy weight. Although dark green and colorful fruits and vegetables do not have many antioxidants, they are required due to folic acid and calcium lessening the risk of cataracts. Food rich in beta-carotene (vitamin A), selenium and vitamins C and E may also prevent cataract progression. A large amount of salt lessens it too.
It is recommended not to eat unhealthy foods such as fried foods, processed foods, sugary foods, and foods rich in sodium. Sugary and starchy foods like white breads, pasta, soft drinks, and pastries may lead to the appearance of cataracts or its development. A large amount of soft drinks, desserts, greasy snack foods, and fast foods is not recommended too. There are people prone to a cataract; they are people with diabetes and users of steroids, diuretics and main tranquilizers. Cigarette smoke, air pollution and heavy alcohol consumption can sometimes lead the cataract progression.
|
|
