Cataract is an eye disorder where the patient finds it difficult to see things in focus. One of the premier symptoms of a person affected by cataract starts having a blurred vision. Moreover with the disease taking a more intense form, the patient may get double vision or spots or both, resulting in a gradual increase in blindness. Hence at this stage, the vision becomes better in the evening than in the daylight since light is admitted round the more widely-dilated pupil in the dark. But later, in the advanced stage, the objects and persons may appear merely blobs of light. In the final stage, there is a greyish white discoloration in the pupil. In this eye disorder, opaque, clear vision of the person is compromised. Cataracts may happen as partial or complete, stationary or progressive, hard or soft.
Cataracts are infact clumps of protein that collect on the lens of an eye and interfere with vision. It refers to the opacity of the crystalline lens of the eye on the assumption that the condition is caused by the tumor of the brain falling over the pupil. The word cataract derives from a Latin word `cataracta` which means "waterfall" and the Greek kataraktes and katarrhaktes, from katarassein which is similar to dash down. Thus, in cataract, the crystalline lens becomes opaque. This seriously hampers the entrance of light into the eye, resulting in blindness since no light rays permeates the opacity of the lens. This eye disorder is among the most common eye diseases and is caused for numerous factors.
Cataracts can develop for myriad reasons. The foremost factor of the causes of cataract is mainly long-term exposure to ultraviolet light and exposure to radiation. Cataract can also develop when protein in the lens clumps together and blocks light from reaching the retina and this develops as a result of chemical changes in the lens that occurs with aging. The clumps of protein that collect on the lens of an eye make the lens of an eye opaque. A cataract occurs when the normally clear lens becomes cloudy. Most cataracts develop slowly over time and are a natural result of aging. In addition to that causes of Cataract are often associated with other defects of the eyes.
The four major factors that contribute to the loss of transparency of the lens include
Stagnation of the fluid current in the lens resulting from blood condition
Deterioration the nutrition of the lens, which diminishes the vitality and resistance of the delicate lens fibers
Deposits between the lens fibers of acids and salts which have an irritating effect on the lens tissues and
Exert an increasing pressure on its delicate fibers, clouding whole lens in the absence of appropriate measures
Cataracts are also caused due to certain secondary effects of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and advanced age, or trauma as well as genetic disorders. This eye disease is based on a faulty life style as well as other diseases. The stress and strain, excessive intake of alcoholic drinks, sugar, salt, smoking, certain physical ailments such as gastro-intestinal or gallbladder disturbance, diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, especially of vitamin C, fatty acid intolerances, ageing, radiation and side-effects of drugs prescribed for other diseases can be identified as the cause of cataract. The poisons in the blood stream due to dietetic errors can also be the cause of cataract. The toxic matter in the blood stream spreads throughout the body to find shelter in any available weak spot. If the lens weakens due to strain, excessive use of the eyes and local irritation, then the toxins strike the lens, making the eye condition bad and developing into cataract. Cataracts can also be caused due to poor nutrition.
Cataracts can be of varied kind and can be classified depending on its types. Cataracts are classified according to the etiology. Cataracts are classified on the basis of age related factors. This eye disorder can be of the subsequent types - Immature Senile cataract, Mature Senile Cataracts, Hypermature Senile Cataract. Other categories include congenital cataract and traumatic cataract. However, though varied types exist in this eye disorder, yet extensive treatments can help rectify the disease. Although, surgical operation is an imperative treatment of Cataract, yet this eye disorder can be cured by Nature means too. Besides, cataracts have been rectified by proper nutritional treatment also. In several cases, diets for the treatment of Cataract play a vital role. This treatment of cataract undergoes with fasting for three to four days on orange juice and water. After this initial fast, a diet of very restricted nature should be followed for two weeks. The diet of the cataract patient should be high in B2, B6 as well as whole B-complex, pantothenic acid, vitamin C, D, E and other nutrients.
The eye disorder, Cataracts is not completely preventable disease; however the occurrence of this ailment can be delayed. A proper life style can act as a catalyst in preventing cataract. Quitting smoking, avoiding overexposure to sunlight, drinking alcohol in moderation, and eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables can delay the formation of cataracts.
Cataract is such an eye disorder that can affect any person at any time. However, certain factors are there that may increase an individual`s risk for developing cataracts. The individuals who are 50 years or older than that, have experienced genetic diseases such as Down syndrome, were under certain medications such as steroids, maternal infection such as rubella, drug ingestion, or radiation therapy during pregnancy are more prone to Cataracts. The individuals who have metabolic disorders (such as diabetes mellitus), eye disorders (such as glaucoma) and high-voltage electrical injury are also affected by this eye disorder.
Cataract can affect any individual at any time. However, it can be cured by surgery and alternative medications also. Though this eye disorder gradually leads to low vision or blindness, yet proper diagnosis in the early stage can help in the huge improvement in vision in almost all cases.
