WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT CATARACT?

In order to see the outside world clearly, we have what we call the ocular media. These are the media through which light passes through to hit the retina at the back of the eye. The ocular media include the Cornea, Aqueous Humour, Crystalline lens and Vitreous Humour. These ocular media are required to be transparent and clear to create a sharp and crystal clear vision.

The crystalline lens is part of the ocular media and is responsible for refracting or bending light into the back of the eye (retina) which processes images through the optic nerve and into the brain. The lens is made of mostly proteins and water. The clouding of the lens occurs due to changes in the proteins and lens fibers, at this stage, the lens becomes opaque and it is said to be cloudy. This cloudiness is called Cataract.

So cataract therefore, is a change in the crystalline lens of the eye leading to cloudy spots or an opaque lens. This is a progressive condition that can take years to obstruct vision, but if left untreated, cataracts can lead to temporary blindness.

WHO ARE THOSE AT RISK OF CATARACT?

The risk factors for developing cataract include:
1. Diabetes or elevated blood sugar
2. Steroid use (oral, IV, or inhaled)
3. Ultraviolet exposure
4. Smoking
5. Ocular diseases: Retinitis Pigmentosa, Uveitis
6. Ocular Trauma
7. Prior ocular surgery
8. Genetic predisposition

CAN YOU PREVENT CATARACT?

YES, there are certain preventive measures you can put in place to avoid or slow down the progression of cataract. You can:
1. Reduce exposure to sunlight through UV-blocking lenses.
2. Decrease or stop smoking.
3. Increase antioxidant or vitamin consumption by eating more leafy green vegetables and taking nutritional supplements such as lutein and zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc
4. Control your diabetes if any.

At Supreme Vision, we care.

Supreme Vision Eye Clinic,
2, Bouar Close, Off Bangui Street, Off Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent Wuse 2, Abuja.
Tel. +234 808 586 1111