Good eyesight is a requisite in most careers. For example, 20/20 vision is part of the qualificationsfor cabin crews in many airlines. If there’s anything negotiable about it,applicants with minor visual correctioncan be considered, given that they only use contact lenses. Excellent vision is also crucial in creative jobs like photography. One should literally have an eye for details like accurate recognition of colors.
Of course, there are those famous figures whose visual problems, even blindness, did not become a hindrance totheir passion and careers. Famous poet John Milton and author Helen Keller were both able to create their own masterpieces that became an important, classic part of world literature. Helen Keller was in fact, not only blind but deaf as well.But that didn’t stop her to continue a career in which good eyesight is supposedly a crucial requisite.
Sense of sight is not only helpful in whatever career you’ve chosen. It’s part of our normal daily function as human beings. And so, if there’s anything we can do to protect it, we will sure do. As aging comes though, there are inevitable conditions that may affect our vision. Some of which are prevalent. One example is cataracts. Read more about it here.
In fact, medical experts say that it is so prevalent that they estimate everyone can have this condition if they live long enough. Though it is very common in senior folks, many of us may not have enough knowledge about this problem. Thus, we’ll discuss the general facts we should know about it.
What is Cataract?
Normally, people are born with eyes that have clear lens. But when a cataract develops in one or both eyes, these lenses become clouded. A white rounded shape thatcovers the eye’s lens then appears. People experiencing this problemwould describe their vision as if they’re looking through a foggy space. As a result, daily activities like reading, writing, driving, cooking or even recognizing people’s faces can be challenging.
How does someone know if he has developed this condition? At first, one may not feel the symptoms. Typically, cataracts progress slowly. So, visual changes may not be easily recognizable. As the cataracts grow larger though, this is the time when symptoms start to appear and interfere with one’s normal daily activities.
The good thing, however, is that it is a treatable condition. One of the most effective treatment methods is cataract surgery which has a high success rate.
What are the Symptoms?
The symptoms of this disease include cloudy vision, difficulty seeing objects at night, light sensitivity, seeing faded colors that are normally okay in people with good vision and seeing multiple images in one eye. At times, a halo might also seem to appear around the lights. Another tell-tale sign is when there’s a frequent need to change prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses.
These symptoms commonly appear in individuals with over 60 years of age though the cataracts have gradually developed since the age of 40. The reason for this is that it could be so small at first that there are no noticeable signs of its development. As mentioned, when it’s large enough, that’s the time when more obvious signs are frequently experienced.
Of course, there might be other possible underlying causes behind the symptoms mentioned here. This is why it is important that you set a schedule to talk with a qualified physician so you can undergo a thorough eye examination if there are any changes in your vision. Find out more information here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353795
Types of Cataract
While most cataracts develop during one’s senior years, there are also other types that can occur at any age.
- Traumatic Cataract
This type of cataract can develop years after an eye injury.
- Secondary Cataract
Secondary cataracts could be a result of other health issues such as after undergoing a surgery for glaucoma and other eye problems. It can also occur as a complication of diabetes.
- Radiation Cataract
Some people might develop thiseye problem after being exposed to some kinds of radiation.
- Congenital Cataract
There are some babies who are born with it. Sometimes, it starts developing in both eyes during childhood.
As mentioned, it is a treatable condition. So, don’t worry too much about scheduling an appointment with a board-certified eye doctor. It will be helpful if you do so as soon as possible.
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