Cloudy skies are great but not cloudy vision. Yes,  cloudiness of the clear lens of the eye is called cataract and it affects a person's eyesight.
The World Health Report claims that 20million people in the world are affected by age-related cataract. Around 3.8 million people in India are blind due to cataract. In fact, cataract accounts for 51% of the world's blindness.
About 10 million eye cataract surgery operations are being conducted each year in the world. Thanks to experienced eye doctors who are striving hard to eliminate this eye disease, the Cataract Surgical Rate (CSR) has doubled in the last 10 years.

Cataract - Causes

Cataract is the cloudiness of the eye lens which is caused by the building-up of protein in the eye.
The lens of our eye is made of protein and water. The protein is arranged so as to allow the light to pass through the lens. But with age, the protein bunches itself together to cloud the area of the lens, thus impairing the vision. If left unattended immediately, the cataract may spread and block out the entire vision. Ophthalmology specialists insist on immediate eye cataract surgery as the cataract may harden with time, making it difficult to be removed.
Cataracts can be classified into different types based on their causes

1. Age-related cataract - this type of cataract forms as you get older
2. Congenital cataract - this cataract is present at birth due to infection, genetic reasons or poor foetal development
3. Secondary cataract - this cataract is formed due to other medical conditions like diabetes
4. Traumatic Cataract - this cataract is formed due to injury.

The cataract usually affects people aged over 40. The risk factors causing cataract are

• Advancing age
• UV radiation from sunlight or electronic diseases
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Alcoholism
• Earlier eye injury or inflammation
• Prior eye surgery
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Prolonged use of corticosteroids or diuretics
• Prolonged use of statin to reduce cholesterol
• Excessive myopia
• Family history
  

Types of cataract based on their location

1. Subcapsular cataract - this occurs at the back of the lens. Patients with diabetes taking steroids are more prone to this type of cataract.
2. Nuclear cataract - this occurs at the centre of the lends and is associated with aging.
3. Cortical cataract - this occurs in the white cortex surrounding the central nucleus of the lens. It starts from the periphery and moves towards the centre like the spokes of a wheel, forming white wedges.

Cataract - Signs and symptoms

• Dim, blurred or cloudy vision
• Difficulty in night vision
• Sensitivity to light or glare
• Need for brighter light for reading
• Seeing a halo around the light
• Fading or yellowing of colours
• Double vision in a single eye
• Changing the spectacles or contacts frequently
• Nearsightedness in older people
  

Cataract treatment with eye cataract surgery
Once formed, a cataract can be cured only by immediate eye cataract surgery. there are many techniques for eye cataract surgery like
1. Phaco-emulsification
Here the affected eye lens is emulsified using a hand-held ultrasonic device and aspirated from the eye.
2. Manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS)
Here the entire eye lens is expressed out of the eye manually by creating a self-healing scleral wound.

3. Extra-capsular cataract extraction (ECCE)
Here the entire eye lens is removed leaving the posterior lens capsule intact for implanting the intra-ocular lens.
4. Intra-capsular cataract extraction
Here both the eye lens and its lens capsule are removed and an artificial plastic intraocular lens is sutured or placed in the anterior chamber.
5. Femtosecond laser extraction
Here a laser is used to make a precise incision using Optical Coherence Tomography, keeping the remaining eye capsule intact.

Cure cataract immediately by heading to the best ophthalmology specialists today.

Nature has painted a pretty canvas on the world's landscape. The beauty of these vivid colours and shapes can be fully experienced only if you have vision. Maintaining a good eyesight is absolutely essential to execute one's daily activities and to experience a good quality of life. Eyesight diminishes with age and is further affected by problems like glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataract etc. This is why following the right diet for eyes vision and regular consultation with an ophthalmology specialist is a must for one and all.

Foods that improve your vision

1. Fish
All Fishes are rich in Omega 3 and can hence prevent all vision problems from dry eyes to even cataract or macular degeneration. The Omega 3 in fishes is the vision booster as it increases the flow of intraocular fluid and lubricates the eye. It also helps to improve the health of the retina, thus preventing macular degeneration. All types of fish- tuna, salmon, cod, mackerel etc. are ideal for consumption. If you averse to eating fish,  you can consume fish oil supplements to improve your eyesight.

2. Greens and vegetables
Leafy green vegetables are the best for the eyes. This is because all leafy greens contain Lutein and Zeaxanthin which are vital for eye health. These 2 nutrients protect the eyes from harmful ultraviolet radiation present in sunlight.
A study reveals that a rich intake of Lutein and Zeaxanthin can reduce the risk of macular degeneration by 40%.
Lutein and Zeaxanthin slow down the process of macular degeneration and cataract formation by suppressing the formation of free-radicals, stabilizing the cell membranes and also shielding the eyes from the blue light emitted by electronic devices.
Greens like spinach, broccoli and kale also contain vitamins A &C, Beta-carotene and a host of other anti-oxidants that boost eye-health. Turnip greens, peppers, corn, pumpkin, chards and collards are also powerhouses of  Lutein and Zeaxanthin.
Carrot is the King of eye-health. Yes, a single carrot is endowed with 500g of vitamin A and abundant Beta-carotene, both of which improve your eyesight. Sweet potatoes, pumpkins, bell peppers, Brussels sprouts and beets are also rich in vitamins for vision.

3. Nuts and seeds
Vitamin E is a great eye-vitalizer that prevents cataracts and macular degeneration. Nuts and Seeds are packed with Vitamin E and are the best foods to improve your eyesight. studies have revealed that

• High intake of Vitamin E in the form of diet or nutritional supplements reduces the risk of cataract.
• Nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, sunflower, pumpkin, flax or Chia seeds are rich in Vitamin E.
• A combination of zinc and vitamins and anti-oxidants like Beta-carotene, Lutein and Zeaxanthin reduced the risk of age-related macular degeneration by 25%.
• Brazil nuts, Pumpkin seeds, Soya beans and chickpeas are full of zinc and antioxidants.
• Retinal diseases like inflammation or oxidative stress may be caused due to light exposure or ageing. Omega 3 tends to protect the eyes from all these retinal diseases.

Chia seeds contain Omega # as Alpha-Linoleic Acid (ALA) which the body converts as DHA and EPA for better absorption.

4. Eggs
Eggs are abundant sources of Vitamin A which prevents the occurrence of night blindness. Lutein is a carotenoid present in the eggs which prevents dry eyes and macular degeneration. the Zeaxanthin present in the yolk helps to screen the eyes from harmful ultraviolet radiation.

5. Fruits
Fruits are rich in carotenoids which help to arrest vision problems.  Fruits like strawberry, grapes and cantaloupe are excellent sources of Vitamin a. Citrus fruits like lemon and oranges are rich in Vitamin C which suppresses free-radical formation and ageing.

Consume these foods fit for vision power regularly and you will never need to visit an eye surgery centre ever again. But periodically consult an eye specialist doctor to ensure that you have perfect eye-health.