CATARACT - ARE YOU AT RISK?
CATARACTS MAY START DEVELOPING IN YOUR FORTIES!
Most cataracts develop as part of the normal ageing process. The age at which cataract develop varies from person to person. While some may start developing cataracts in their forties, most do so only in their sixties to seventies. The rate of progression also varies from person to person. In some, the cataract slowly becomes more dense or ‘mature’ over many years, while in others the cataract may mature in matter of weeks.
It is not true that cataracts can spread from eye to eye, although they are generally found in both eyes. The degree of cataract ‘maturity’ between two eyes is usually different. Therefore, vision in one eye is often described as better than the other.
Not all cataracts are age-related. Cataracts can also occur from eye injury, taking certain medications, hereditary conditions or foetal infection with viruses such as rubella. Cataract can also occur more often in patient with diabetes and high myopia
SYMPTOMS
The main complaint of a person with cataracts is blurred vision. In early cataracts, the blurred vision is often described as worse under strong sunlight or when the light is bright or when reading. Glare is another common complaint, especially when driving at night. As the cataract matures, the vision gets more and more blurred and colours appear less strong. In some early cataracts, vision may be improved slightly with corrective lenses. As the cataract matures, frequent changes of glasses are necessary and at some point, lenses will not help anymore.