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Cataracts are vision problems that occur when there is a clouding of the lens in the eye. This eMedTV article offers an in-depth look at cataracts, including information about types, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of the condition.
Age-related cataract formation occurs as a result of protein clumpings or lens discoloration. This eMedTV article explains how both protein clumpings and lens discoloration affect vision and lead to the formation of age-related cataracts.
As this eMedTV resource explains, there's more than one type of cataract. Types of cataracts include age-related (the most common), secondary, traumatic, congenital, and radiation cataracts.
Scientists have not yet found any cataract causes. As discussed in this eMedTV article, researchers have identified risk factors (such as smoking and diabetes) that increase a person's chance of developing a cataract.
Cataract symptoms include blurry vision, increased sensitivity to light, and poor night vision. This eMedTV article discusses these and other symptoms of cataracts, such as double vision and frequent prescription changes in eyeglasses or contacts.
Diagnosing cataracts involves an examination of the eye and tests (such as a dilated eye exam). This eMedTV article discusses the process used to make a cataract diagnosis, including information about tests used to identify cataracts.
In most cases, surgery is the only effective form of cataract treatment. This eMedTV article describes measures (such as wearing anti-glare sunglasses) that may help people dealing with early symptoms of a cataract.
There two types of cataract surgery: phacoemulsification and extracapsular surgery. This eMedTV resource explains how these types of surgery are used to treat cataracts and discusses what to expect before, during, and after surgery for a cataract.
It is not possible to cure a cataract. Prevention of cataracts, however, is possible. This eMedTV segment discusses prevention strategies (such as having regular eye exams and quitting smoking) that may prevent or slow the development of a cataract.
People with low vision from cataracts may benefit from low vision aids, services, counseling, and training. This eMedTV article provides information about the types of organizations that may provide such services for people with vision problems.
There is no cataract cure. However, as this eMedTV segment explains, getting regular eye exams, quitting smoking, and adopting a diet high in antioxidants may help to slow the progression of cataracts.
Cataract research is being conducted to study the effectiveness of using drugs to control cataracts. This eMedTV article discusses other research now under way to find better ways to detect, treat, and possibly prevent cataracts.
If you've been diagnosed with a cataract, questions of all sorts may come to mind. In addition, this eMedTV article provides a list of cataract questions about diagnosis, tests, and treatment options that you can ask your doctor.
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