Early onset Cataract - Warning signs and causes

• Dr Alpa Atul Poorabia, Senior Refractive, Cornea & Cataract Surgeon, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Kondapur, Hyderabad

If one holds a blurred vision just like looking through a cloudy piece of glass/foggy or dusty car windshield, it refers to a medical condition called Cataract. Though Cataract is generally seen in old age people, it can be seen in younger people or children for various reasons. If Cataract is present at the time of birth then it is known as Congenital Cataract.
 
Inside our eyes, we have a natural lens, which is transparent by birth. The Lens helps to see clearly by focusing light on the retina. And for that lens should be clear. According to the National Eye Institute, when the lens in one or both the eyes become white/cloudy/opaque, impacting one’s ability to see clearly, it is known as Cataract. Most cataracts do not interfere with our vision in the initial stages, but over time with progression of cataract, it affects an individual's eyesight and quality of vision.
 
In early stage, Cataract can be treated well with eyeglasses. As Cataract is directly related to aging changes in the body, maintaining the overhaul of good health of our body including eyes, is an excellent measure to delay or slowdown Cataract changes in the eye.
 
There are few causes, which acts as a catalyst in the early onset of Cataract and speedy progression of Cataract, like diabetes, long term use of steroids to treat conditions like arthritis etc. or certain other medications, any type of eye injury, radiation treatment to the upper part of our body, continuous exposure to sunlight (Ultraviolet radiation) without wearing sunglasses and certain lifestyle choices like excessive smoking, drinking or obesity.
 
Doctor Dr Alpa Atul Poorabia, Senior Refractive,Cornea & Cataract Surgeon at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Kondapur Hyderabad lists a few early warning signs for you to identify the early onset of Cataract:
 
●      Cloudy or Blurred Vision: Initially vision can be corrected with glasses but as cataract progresses vision cannot be improved even with glasses. Vision becomes hazy, cloudy and less colorful.
●      Dull or yellow colors: seeing bright colors as faded or yellow instead.
●      Increased Light Sensitivity: This sign can be indicative of attaining an early-stage cataract. It refers to the discomfort caused when our eyes are exposed to bright lights.
●      Poor Night Vision: One can have poor night vision or need more light when they are reading, in the early stage of cataract. It gradually worsens over time where the individual finds difficulty in riding a car at night or when faced with glaring lights of oncoming cars.
●      The appearance of “halos” and glare around lights: When a cataract starts growing, one experiences the appearance of halos around light. It can also cause formation of rings around the bright sources of light, which is known as glare. Such a condition may not be noticeable in the daytime but can cause major trouble at the night hour.
●      Seeing Double: Another symptom of cataract is distortion or ghost images or can have double vision instead of one.
 
Progression of cataract can differ from individual to individual. Some patients grow very slowly over the years and some patients progress very fast. If you Cataract is one of the most common causes of preventable blindness. If such a medical condition is left untreated for a longer period, it can cause permanent blindness. That’s why after the age of 40 years, get routine comprehensive eye examination which includes vision and eye pressure checkup, slit-lamp examination and retina examination after dilatation by an expert Ophthalmologist regularly.