Mukhtar Ahmad Qureshi
We are all unique, and any changes in our eyes can be disturbing. Due to being such a common eye disorder, cataracts are commonly overlooked and progress steadily over time. I share with you what knowledge I have gathered on the symptoms of cataracts at their earliest stages from my younger brother Nissar Ahmad Qureshi, a veteran Ophthalmic Technician. He has been focusing on improving the eyes condition and has implemented several awareness campaigns to educate people about cataracts and other eye conditions.
Understanding cataracts
Cataracts result from the natural cloudiness of the lens of eyes causing blurry or distorted vision. Cataracts often form slowly with time and may occur in one or both of the eyes simultaneously. Even though it is an age related condition, cataracts can be caused by conditions such as diabetes, longer exposure to Ultra Violet light, smoking, eye injuries, and long-term use of specific drugs.
Early signs and symptoms of cataracts
1. Blurry or Cloudy Vision: Foggy windows and blurry or cloudy eyesight can be caused by cataracts during the early detection process. Reading, driving, and facial expressions may be difficult for you.
2. Increased Sensitivity to Light: It can be a challenge to use bright lights, whether they are from the sun, headlights, or lamps. Cataracts patients commonly experience discomfort and blemishes in bright surroundings.
3. Difficulty Seeing at Night: Cataracts can cause blurry vision and driving difficulties in the dark.
4. Frequent alterations to eyeglasses or contact lenses?: Sudden or recurring alteration in your prescription may contribute to vision impairments called cataracts. What causes the eye conditions?
5. Faded or Yellow Colours: Yellow, pale, or greyish colours are a potential consequence of cataracts. Finding the different colours is difficult to distinguish.
6. Halos around Lights: Halos or rings around lights at night, which are common signs of cataracts, can also have an impact on your eyesight.
7. Double Vision in One Eye: Double vision in one eye, caused by cataracts, is not visible in one photograph. Other illnesses could also cause this to happen.
8. Difficulty Reading Small Print: Small print could be hard even when you wear glasses. Reading books, newspapers, or menus is a cause of irritation.
When would it be good for you to see a doctor?
Our eyesight is underrated, but ignoring the symptoms leads to a decline that is worse than this. In case you experience any of the above symptoms, it’s time to visit an eye specialist. This will mark the occasion of a medical visit to be done. If your confusion is growing and affecting your daily life.
When driving at night, there may be a glare or halos around the lights.
Your eyes may be corrected by glasses, but you are unable to recognize faces or read.
The occurrence of double vision is due to the sight of either eye or both eyes simultaneously.
When they look the same, like yellows or greys.
If your medication changes frequently over several days.
How can cataracts be diagnosed?
A comprehensive examination of the eyes may involve, at an eye clinic.
Measuring the visual perception of individuals through distance vision.
The Slit Lamp Examination, utilizing a personalized microscope to scrutinize the inner workings of your eye.
By dilatation of pupils during the Retinal Examination, you can see your retina and lens in good perspective.
The intraocular pressure is measured in order to prevent other eye diseases like glaucoma with the help of the Tonometry Test.
Treatment to overcome cataracts
Even though cataracts don’t get better on their own, they can be treated carefully. Why? The first thing to do is wear strong glasses, magnifying glasses, or enjoy the natural world. If you have cataracts that seriously affect your vision and way of life, choose cataract surgery.
The foggy lens is removed through surgery and substituted with a clear artificial lens. The approach is effective, fast and highly successful in restoring clear vision.
Prevention is possible where a disaster would otherwise occur
While it is impossible to avoid cataracts, there are methods of reducing the risk:
Wearing wide brimmed hats and wearing sunglasses can shield your eyes from Ultra Violet light in public.
Eating green leafy vegetables, carrots, and omega-3 fish is advisable for people who opt for a diet rich in vitamins C and E.
Manage chronic diseases, diabetes mellitus, and other conditions that can lead to cataract development.
Eye checkups every now and then are necessary to avoid the aggravation of the condition.
It is important to take care of your eyes since your eyesight is imperative in daily life. A cataract issue is inevitable but may be avoided by recognizing and treating it early. Consult a doctor if any of the aforementioned symptoms are inconvenient to you or the one whom you know.
(The author is a teacher. He hails from Boniyar, Baramulla and can be reached at [email protected])
