If you or an elderly loved one notice that your vision is becoming blurrier, colors seem faded, and driving at night has become more difficult, cataracts might be the culprit.
More than 50% of people age 80 or older have cataracts or have had surgery to remove cataracts, making them quite common among seniors.
In this vision health guide, we cover what cataracts are, what causes them, common signs and symptoms of cataracts, treatment options, and more.
- What Are Cataracts?
- Signs and Symptoms of Cataracts
- How Cataracts Are Treated
- How to Prevent Cataracts
- FAQs About Cataracts
What Are Cataracts?
A cataract is the clouding of the eye lens, which is the part of the eye that helps to focus light and view things clearly. A cataract can be present in one or both eyes, but it doesn’t “spread” from one eye to the other.
Cataracts typically come on gradually, but continued progression without treatment can lead to vision loss. Although the majority of people with cataracts are seniors, they can also occur among young adults or even children.
Types of Cataracts in Seniors
There are several types of cataracts, including pediatric, radiation, traumatic, and secondary. However, these are less common than age-related cataractsthat impact older adults. Each age-related cataract is named after the layer or location of the cloudiness in the eye lens:
- Nuclear sclerotic cataract: In the nucleus (i.e., center) of the lens
- Cortical cataract: In the cortex, surrounding the nucleus
- Posterior subcapsular cataract: Near the retina, just beneath the thin membrane covering the cortex lens capsule
Keep in mind that it’s possible to have more than one type of age-related cataract at the same time.
What Causes Cataracts?
There are multiple risk factors that contribute to cataracts, including but not limited to:
- Age, starting around age 40
- Family history of cataracts
- Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes
- Previous eye injuries or trauma
- Surgery for glaucoma or another eye condition
- Radiation treatment for cancer
- Steroid use
- Eye conditions, such as retina pigmentosa or uveitis
Signs and Symptoms of Cataracts
There are many common—and some less common—signs that could indicate a cataract is starting to form. These can sometimes indicate other vision problems, so it’s good to consult an eye care professional for an accurate diagnosis.
Symptoms of cataracts typically include:
- Blurred vision
- Double vision
- Poor night vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Vision affected by glare
- Seeing halos around headlights
- Trouble driving at night
- Faded colors
- Straining to see words when reading
- Struggling with tasks requiring crisp eyesight
This is why regular vision exams are essential for eye health. The early stages of a cataract can be detected during a routine, dilated eye exam before you or your loved one even notice any symptoms. If this occurs, your optometrist will monitor cataract growth, recommend vision improvement options, or refer you to an ophthalmologist for eye surgery.
>How Cataracts Are Treated
While prescription glasses can temporarily improve vision in the early stages of cataracts by correcting refractive changes and minor blurriness or fogginess, the only way to completely eliminate cataracts is by surgically replacing them with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
Elective vs Required Surgery
Cataract surgery is generally considered an elective procedure, meaning it's typically scheduled in advance, but it can become medically necessary if cataracts significantly impair daily activities like walking around safely, driving, reading, or other essential tasks.
Because this is an elective procedure, an ophthalmologist will usually recommend doing one eye first and returning for surgery on the other two to four weeks later to allow the first eye to heal and stabilize.
How Does Cataract Surgery Work?
Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures—and it’s among the safest. Using very precise incisions, the ophthalmologist will gently break up and remove the cataract and replace the lens with an IOL. Afterward, a shield may be placed over your eye for protection and healing, but the incisions will heal themselves over time.
The procedure itself typically takes about one hour and can be done in either an outpatient surgery center or a hospital. You’ll be awake during surgery, and your eyes will be numbed. You may be given medication to help you relax as well.
Results and Complications
Every person’s experience with cataract surgery is different, but you or your loved one may be among those who no longer need to wear glasses afterwards—or you may wear them less often. Cataract surgical risks are typically low and may include complications such as inflammation, bleeding, or infection.
Retinal detachment after cataract surgery is a rare but serious complication that requires immediate attention from a medical provider. Symptoms include a sudden onset of visual flashes, floaters, or “cobwebs” that drift across your eye.
How to Prevent Cataracts
Although you can’t slow the hands of time, there are some actions you or your loved one can take to help delay the onset of cataracts and slow their progression:
- Choose a vision-healthy diet that includes foods such as leafy green vegetables, fruits high in Vitamins A and C, and beans
- Quit smoking and reduce alcohol consumption
- Avoid eye injuries by wearing goggles or other eye protection
- Wear sunglasses with 100% UV or UV400 protection
- Get regular eye exams and wear corrective lenses as prescribed
Frequently Asked Questions About Cataracts
Are cataracts the same thing as glaucoma?
While both conditions are related to the eye, can be caused by diabetes, most commonly occur among older adults, and can be caught by regular eye exams, cataracts and glaucoma have several distinct differences:
- Cataracts cause blurry vision, difficulty with night vision, and problems with glare; glaucoma causes peripheral vision loss (i.e., tunnel vision).
- Cataracts are a buildup of proteins on the eye lens; glaucoma is caused by damage to the optic nerve caused by a high fluid pressure.
- Cataracts can be cured with surgical removal; advanced glaucoma is irreversible due to optic nerve damage.
How are cataracts and macular degeneration different?
Cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are two separate visual conditions that can cause difficulty with eyesight. While both are prevalent among seniors, here are the major differences:
- Cataracts affect the various layers of the eye lens (at the front of the eye); AMD damages the retina/macula (back of the eye).
- Cataracts cause more generalized blurry vision; AMD reduces the ability to read, recognize faces, drive, or even watch TV.
- Cataracts are the result of protein buildup; AMD is the result of deterioration of the macula.
- Cataracts are fully reversible with successful surgery; macular degeneration damages the center of the retina, leading to permanent incurable central vision loss.
- Cataracts can be managed or slowed down; wet AMD is managed with injections or lasers to slow progression, but lost central vision usually cannot be fully restored.
Is it true there are eye drops that can cure cataracts?
Although there is promising research about the potential for using eye drops as a non-surgical cure, there aren’t any FDA approved products available to the public yet. One study has identified lanosterol as a key molecule in the prevention of lens protein aggregation (buildup) or reduction of that clumping, which could potentially lead to a new approach for cataract treatment.
At-Home Support for Cataracts and Vision Challenges
Because diminished vision can become a safety issue leading to falls, unsafe driving, or difficulty reading the fine print on medications, you or your loved one may benefit from a little extra help around the house.
BrightStar Care has thein-home caregivingandskilled nursing servicesyou need for support at home. We can assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), medication management, and in-home therapies that can make life easier while coping with vision loss.
Our experienced local care team members are ready to help. Find a location near you, contact us online, or call (877) 607-2770 to learn more about our passion for caregiving and in-home nursing services.