When you grow older, you are likely to suffer from many complications. Leaving aside all other health complications, today we are going to look at eye cataracts. An eye cataract is a layer that develops slowly inside your eye, blocking your ability to see things clearly. Primarily, a cataract affects one eye, but in some cases, both eyes can be affected. Older adults at the age of 60 and above are the most affected by eye cataracts more than young people. Atlanta Vision Cataract and Laser Center has the best opticians who can remove cataracts from your eye to restore your sight.
The major types of cataracts
Cataracts are of many types, and most of them are classified by the area of attack. They include:
· Congenital cataracts. Congenital cataracts are prevalent in children after birth. This means that children are born with them. Factors that cause congenital cataracts are linked from children to parents through genes. However, illnesses like rubella can influence cataracts in children.
· Cortical cataracts. These types of cataracts appear on the outside edge of your lens known as the cortex. Initially, they appear as white wedges, which later cover and scatter the light. You may find it challenging to drive at night.
· Posterior subcapsular cataracts. They are cataracts that form at the back of your lens capsule. They block the light that passes via the lens, preventing you from seeing clearly.
Other types of cataracts that you can suffer from include anterior subcapsular, nuclear cataracts, traumatic, secondary, and radiation cataracts. These eye problems differentiate from each other by what causes them. Research shows that they can be treated and managed. Below are factors that can increase the risk of developing cataracts.
Risk factors increasing the occurrence of eye cataracts
There are many factors that can keep you at risk of getting eye cataracts. Some of these factors are health-based and choice of lifestyle. Examples of them include:
· Smoking. The smoke from the cigarettes is capable of making your eye grow another layer. The layer that grows on top of your eye lens is the cataract. A cataract at its early stages cannot be noticed, but after some time, it can be seen as a white cover.
· Eye injury. An injury can change the inner or the outer ray of your eye. The most common cause of cataracts after an injury is infections. Severe cataracts from an injury can cause blindness.
· Previous surgery. After the first eye surgery, cataracts can reappear again.
· Increase in age. Cataracts affect older adults more than young people. However, not every adult develops cataracts. According to research, cataracts that appear when you are older start to develop a few years prior.
· Genetic inheritance. If your closest family members are diagnosed with cataracts, you are likely to suffer from them too.
Cataracts are not life-threatening, but they can block your sight to the extent you may feel blind. It is vital to seek medical attention when you experience a difference in sight. Dr. Leonard Achiron is one of the best doctors you can consult for cataract removal.