Cataracts are often considered something that only blights us later in life. While this is true in the majority of cases, there are other instances where a cataract can form in a person鈥檚 earlier years.The following provides an overview of the most common types of cataracts鈥攖hose that are age-related鈥攁nd other reasons a person might suffer at a younger age.
Early Cataracts, Age-Related Cataracts, and Other Reasons What are early cataracts? What are age-related cataracts? Other reasons cataracts can occurWhat are early cataracts?Early cataracts鈥攐ften referred to as childhood or congenital cataracts鈥攁re very rare. They can occur because of a genetic reason, from injury to the eye after birth, from infections that a mother might he suffered during pregnancy (including chickenpox or rubella), or are sometimes caused by other genetic conditions, such as Down鈥檚 syndrome.While they can cause poor vision in some cases, as well as other issues, such as a squint or wobbling eyes, they often don鈥檛 create major vision problems. Babies are routinely screened for cataracts within 72 hours of birth and again between 6-8 weeks. If a cataract is suspected at either examination, the child will be seen by an ophthalmologist who specializes in the condition.If treatment is considered necessary, surgery will be recommended. 聽
What are age-related cataracts?Age-related cataracts can begin to form any time from age 40 onwards. However, because they take many years to cause symptoms, they generally don鈥檛 cause any vision problems before the age of 60. Once diagnosed, your eye doctor will monitor the condition as it progresses. Preventative measures during this time include eyeglass and/or contact lens prescriptions.When the time comes that cataracts cause more severe vision restrictions, your ophthalmologist will recommend a surgical procedure to remove the lens and replace it with an artificial one. The operation is short and usually carried out on an outpatient basis. It鈥檚 the most common surgical procedure in the world, with millions being carried out each year.
Other reasons cataracts can occurThe formation of cataracts can be brought on due to other reasons. These include:
Disease or traumatic injury Previous eye surgery Exposure to radiation (including UV rays) Reactions to certain medications, including long-term use of corticosteroids Lifestyle choices, such as being obese, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking tobacc All About Cataract Vision The effects of cataract on vision and how they鈥檙e treatedThe effects of cataract on vision and how they鈥檙e treatedDuring the early stages of cataract formation, you鈥檒l probably he no symptoms. As they progress, they begin to cause issues. These include:
Blurred vision Double vision Faded or yellowing of colors Poor night vision Becoming sensitive to bright lights Difficulty seeing in poor light so, for example, requiring an additional light source to read a bookIf the condition is allowed to progress without intervention, it will eventually cause severe vision problems and even blindness. Happily, cataract surgery has an extremely high success rate, so the problem is completely treatable.
The Most Advanced Cataract Vision Treatment for Age-Related and Early Cataract on Offer at the WBECThe West Boca Eye Center is a leading clinic for all things cataract-related. Headed by Dr. Bellotte, a world-renowned cataract surgeon and research expert, his team provides the latest cutting-edge treatment for every type of cataract.If you鈥檙e worried about cataracts or are seeking the ultimate expertise to advise on or to carry out a surgical cataract procedure, then there鈥檚 no better place than the WBEC.Head to https://westbocaeyecenter.com/services/cataract-surgery/ to find out more and call today to book a confidential consultation.