Just imagine…
You’re sitting beachside, gazing at the beautiful sunset with vibrant hues in the sky – with every minute detail crystal clear. But suddenly the colors start fading away and the entire world becomes blurry for you – and you feel like a mist is settling over your eyes.
Damn! Even the thought sounds so scary, isn’t it? Well, this clouded vision or you can say ‘unwelcome visitor’ is called Cataract.
A cataract is a common eye-related problem that is affecting millions of people worldwide by affecting their vision and impacting their daily lives.
Have a look at 5 fascinating facts about cataracts that you need to know
5 Interesting Facts About Cataracts
Fact #1 – Your ‘age’ isn’t the only risk factor
Do you know age-related cataracts may develop between 40-50 years old?
Aging and cataracts are like an inseparable bond. With age, the lenses of the eyes start losing transparency which leads to cataracts.
But is it only the age that causes this issue? Well no! Cataracts can even be due to genetic factors, trauma, smoking, injuries, or any other medical conditions.
Fact #2 – Exposure to the sun increases the chances of cataracts
Prolonged exposure to UV rays increases the chances of cataracts. When the UV rays pass through the lenses of your eyes it causes the protein to break down more quickly – which prevents light from passing through the lenses.
To reduce the risk and protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, start wearing sunglasses that give 100% UVA and UVB protection.
Fact #3 – Cataracts can lead to blindness if not treated
Do you know the leading cause of blindness in the world is cataracts, accounting for around 50% of blindness? So, it is super important to keep a check and detect it early.
The good news is that cataracts can be easily treated with the help of surgery where the cloudy lens is removed and replaced (which hardly takes around 15 minutes!)
Fact #4 – Diabetes can increase the risk of cataracts
As per the reports, cataract is the major cause of visual impairment in diabetes patients. People who have diabetes are 5 times more likely to develop cataracts.
Wondering what’s the link between diabetes and cataracts? Well, due to diabetes there can be structural changes in the eye lens which can lead to the development of cataracts.
Fact #5 – There’s no cataract-curing eye drop
You might have heard people talking about cataract eye drops, or might have seen those cataract-dissolving eye drops, right? But the question is – do they work?
But in reality – these eye drops are still in the development phase, and scientists are checking the natural steroids – lanosterol, which is showing the ability to cure or reduce cataracts.
In short, there is no such eye drop available as of now.
Bottom line
While age and genetics are beyond our control, adopting certain lifestyle habits can help delay the onset of cataracts. With these facts about cataracts in mind, you can easily protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, avoid smoking, and have a healthy and balanced diet, which can help you to reduce the risk of cataracts.
If you see any symptoms regarding cataracts, it is best to consult a doctor as soon as possible. You can visit PVRI – the best eye hospital in Hyderabad. We have a team of professionals who can help you maintain optimal eye health.