Types and Prevention of Cataracts

Cataracts develop in a variety of ways, ranging from genetics to UVB exposure. The following list contains types of cataracts in order for you to detect and prevent your aging relative from contracting this disease before it is too late.

• Nuclear Cataracts (center of the lens): Your senior will notice a temporary improvement in near-sided eyesight. However, their vision will soon become yellow or clouded, and they will often see double or multiple images from a single eye. Eventually, the lenses turn brown, leading to difficulty in distinguishing shades of color.
• Cortical (edges of the lens): A cortical cataract starts as whitish streak on the outside edge of the lens cortex. As it progresses, the streaks extend to the center and stop light from passing through the lens. These people often endure problems with glares and bright lights.
• Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts (back of the lens): This cataract begins as a small, opaque area near the back of the lens (in the path of light to the retina). It reduces reading vision and creates glare or halos around lights at nighttime.
• Congenital cataracts (genetic): Some people are born with cataracts or develop them during childhood, as the result of the mother having contracted an infection during pregnancy. Congenital cataracts may also be due to inherited syndromes, such as Alport’s syndrome, Fabry’s disease and galactosemia. These often do not affect vision.

You can prevent the onslaught of cataracts by having regular eye exams to detect it in an early stage and treat it before it becomes a nuisance. Other preventative measures include quitting smoking, following prescribed treatments from other medical conditions, and maintaining a healthy weight/diet. Reduce your caloric intake and increase the amount of exercise you do each day. Finally, add a variety of fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants and vitamins to your diet in order to protect and prevent eye damage.

Source: The Mayo Clinic

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