Cataracts

Yes. Some disorders can be passed down from parents that cause other health problems can
increase your risk of cataracts. Cataracts can also be caused by other eye conditions, past eye
surgery or medical conditions such as diabetes. Long-term use of steroid medicines may also
cause cataracts to develop.

Cataract types include:

• Nuclear Cataracts affecting the centre of the lens A nuclear cataract may at first
  cause objects far away to be blurry but objects up close to look clear. A nuclear
  cataract may even improve your reading vision for a short time. But with time, the
  lens slowly turns more yellow or brown and makes your vision worse. It may
  become difficult to tell colours apart.
• Cortical Cataracts that affect the edges of the lens A cortical cataract begins as
  white, wedge-shaped spots or streaks on the outer edge of the lens cortex. As the
  cataract slowly grows, the streaks spread to the centre and affect light passing
  through the lens.
• posterior subcapsular Cataracts that affect the back of the lens, A posterior
  subcapsular cataract starts as a small spot that usually forms near the back of the
  lens, right in the path of light. A posterior subcapsular cataract often affects your
  reading vision. It also may reduce your vision in bright light and cause glare or
  halos around lights at night. These types of cataracts tend to grow faster than others.
• Congenital Cataracts you’re born with Some people are born with cataracts or
  develop them during childhood. These cataracts may be passed down from parents.
  They also may be associated with an infection or trauma while in the womb.
  These cataracts also may be due to certain conditions. These may include myotonic
  dystrophy, galactosemia, neurofibromatosis type 2 or rubella. Congenital cataracts
  don’t always affect vision. If they do, they’re usually removed soon after they’re
  found.

As you age, the lenses in your eyes become less flexible, less clear and thicker. Ageing and some
medical conditions can cause proteins and fibres within the lenses to break down and clump
together. This is what causes the clouding in the lenses.
As the cataract grows, the clouding worsens. A cataract scatters and blocks the light as it passes
through the lens. This prevents a sharply defined image from reaching your retina. As a result,
your vision becomes blurred.
Cataracts usually happen in both eyes, but not always at the same rate. The cataract in one eye
may be worse than the other. This causes a difference in vision between the eyes.

Factors that increase your risk of cataracts include:

• Increasing age.
• Diabetes.
• Getting too much sunlight.
• Smoking.
• Obesity.
• Family history of cataracts.
• Previous eye injury or inflammation.
• Previous eye surgery.
• Prolonged use of corticosteroid medicines.
• Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.

There is clinical evidence of preventing or slowing the growth of cataracts. But along with
mitigating the risks, Voeonet Ireland and our team of world class physicians recommend

• Regular eye exams. Eye exams can help detect cataracts and other eye problems at
  their earliest stages. Ask your health care team how often you should have an eye
  examination.
• Do not smoke. stop smoking. Medicines, counselling and other strategies are
  available to help you. LINK NHS
• Manage other health problems. if you have diabetes or other medical conditions
  that can increase your risk of cataracts. LINK Other sites
• Choose a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables large
  population study recently showed that a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals
  reduced the risk of developing cataracts. Fruits and vegetables have many proven
  health benefits. Eating them is a safe way to get enough minerals and vitamins in
  your diet.
• Wear sunglasses. Ultraviolet light from the sun may cause cataracts. Wear
  sunglasses that block ultraviolet B rays when you’re outdoors.
• Reduce alcohol use. Drinking too much alcohol can increase the risk of cataracts.