Abstracted by Sheila Kun RN, BA, BSN, MS Source: Cleveland Clinic

How to recognize signs of a cataract and when to get help.
What are the symptoms of cataracts?
Cataract symptoms include:

• Vision that’s cloudy, blurry, foggy or filmy.
• Changes in the way you see color (colors may look faded or not as vivid).
• Sensitivity to bright sunlight, headlights or lamps.
• Glare, including halos or streaks that form around lights.
• Difficulty seeing at night.
• Changes in your vision prescription, including near-sightedness that gets worse.
• Needing a brighter light to read.
• Double vision.

Are cataracts painful?
Cataracts don’t usually hurt. But they can cause discomfort by making your eyes more sensitive to light.
What causes cataracts?
The main cause of cataracts is the gradual breakdown of proteins in your lens.
However, certain genetic and environmental factors can raise your risk of developing cataracts or developing them at a younger age compared with others.
What are the risk factors for cataracts?
Risk factors for cataract formation fall into three main groups: environmental, medical and genetic.
Environmental risk factors
Environmental risk factors are those that you encounter in the world around you.
They’re sometimes toxic substances that you breathe in or ingest. Environmental
factors are harmful because they increase the amount of free radicals in your body.
These are unstable molecules that damage healthy cells. Free radicals, by harming the cells in your eye’s lens, can lead to cataract formation.

• Environmental risk factors include:
• Air pollution.
• Tobacco smoke.
• Alcohol.
• Industrial chemicals.
• Pesticides.
• Long-term exposure to UV light from the sun.
• History of radiation therapy to the upper part of your body.

Limiting your environmental exposures may slow down cataract formation. Researchers continue to look into the exact role that preventive measures play.
Medical risk factors
Medical risk factors can that raise your risk for cataracts include:

• Having diabetes or high blood sugar.
• Having certain eye surgeries, like glaucoma.
• Using corticosteroids to treat some medical conditions (like rheumatoid arthritis).
• Having certain eye diseases, like retina pigmentosa or uveitis.

Genetic risk factors
A family history of cataracts raises your risk of developing them. Some genetic
mutations lead to congenital cataracts (present at birth). When it comes to age-related cataracts, genetic mutations may make your lens more vulnerable to damage from environmental risk factors. Researchers continue to explore these connections. So, while you can’t change your genetic risk, it helps to know your family history and share it with your provider.

Diagnosis and Tests
How are cataracts diagnosed?
Ophthalmologists and optometrists diagnose cataracts through a comprehensive eye exam. Your provider will closely examine your eyes to look for signs of cataracts and assess their severity. Your provider will also ask you about your vision, your medical history and if you’re having trouble with everyday tasks because you can’t see as well as you once did.

Tests to diagnose cataracts
Specific tests you may have include:

• Slit lamp exam.
• Visual acuity test.

Management and Treatment
What is the best way to treat cataracts?
Cataract surgery is the only way to remove cataracts and restore your clear vision.
During cataract surgery, an ophthalmologist removes your clouded natural lens and
replaces it with an intraocular lens (IOL). An IOL is an artificial lens that permanently
stays in your eye. There are many different options for IOLs that your provider can
discuss with you. The main benefit of an IOL is that it’s clear — like your natural lens should be. Another benefit is that it can correct refractive errors, allowing you to rely less on glasses or contact lenses after your surgery.
Is cataract surgery safe?
Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most commonly performed surgeries in the U.S. Most people have no serious complications. But it’s important to be aware of all possible risks, including retinal detachment and infection. Certain eye diseases or underlying medical conditions can raise your risk of complications. So, you should talk to your provider about your individual level of risk prior to your surgery. Also, ask how they can treat any potential problems that may occur.

Recovery from cataract surgery
You may have mild pain and discomfort after your surgery. Your provider can give you a pain reliever to use for the first day or two. Full recovery takes four to eight weeks. But you should notice improvements in your vision much sooner. Your provider will tell you when it’s safe to return to your usual activities.

Your homework from the Care Ministry this week: describe the treatment for cataract. Love to hear from you: kunlouis@gmail.com