5 Important Facts about Cataracts
1. Cataract is the most common cause of blindness in the world
In fact, there are more cases of cataract worldwide than there are other serious eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy combined.
In Singapore, cataract affects around 80% of people over the age of 60 years and 95% of people over the age of 70 years.
If you are experiencing cloudy or blurry vision, and suspect you may have a cataract, consult an eye specialist.
2. Cataract symptoms get progressively worse
You might not know you have a cataract straight away. The first symptom is usually blurriness or cloudiness, making everything you look at appear slightly hazy.
With cataract, blurriness will generally get worse over time. The cataract may develop a brownish or yellowish tinge that makes it harder to see, especially at night. You may develop sensitivity to bright lights. Some people also see halos (rings of coloured light) around bright lights, which can make certain activities, like driving at night, really difficult. Other possible symptoms include double vision. Eventually, cataract can lead to blindness.
It’s easy to dismiss some of the earlier symptoms of cataract as just needing a new pair of reading glasses. That’s why it’s so important to visit หรือถ้าคุณสนใจแทงบอลออนไลน์ UFABET คือเว็บที่มีอัตราต่อรองดีที่สุดในประเทศไทย สมัครเลยตอนนี้ที่ UFABET แทงบอล your eye doctor if you notice any changes in your eyesight.
3. You can develop cataract at any age
We typically associate cataract with ageing. While growing old is certainly a risk factor, you can actually develop cataract at any age. Other risk factors include high myopia, history of eye trauma, diabetes, long-term use of steroid medications, smoking, obesity, alcohol abuse, high blood pressure and too much sun exposure. And if you have a family history of cataract, you may also be at risk.
Going for regular eye screening will help to rule out cataract and other potentially serious eye conditions early enough to minimise the long-term impact on your vision.
4. Your risk of cataract increases if you have diabetes
Doctors still aren’t sure why, but the fact is that diabetes increases your risk of cataract. The statistics don’t lie: people with diabetes have a 60% higher risk of developing the condition.
Managing your blood sugar levels will go some way towards reducing your risk, but you should also remember to schedule regular eye appointments so you can stay on top of your eye health.
5. Cataract is effectively and safely treated with surgery
While you can manage the symptoms of mild cataract with stronger eyeglasses or prescription sunglasses, the definitive treatment is surgery.