Cataracts

The opacification of the lens of the eye is called a cataract. This condition usually develops slowly and is related to aging, although there are other causes.

The main problem with this opacity is that it diminishes the quality of vision, causing blurred or double vision. It also intensifies the brightness that enters the eye, temporarily blinding the person and making it difficult to perform activities such as driving at night.

Rakesh Ahuja, MD, Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0

Some habits, such as smoking and drinking alcohol, have been linked to the development of cataracts. So have chronic diseases such as diabetes or the use of corticosteroid treatments. The diagnosis is made on the basis of the physical examination by shining a light on the front of the eye so that light enters through the cornea. In an eye without a cataract, the light should pass to the bottom of the globe.

In an eye with a cataract, the light stops when it finds the opacity of the lens, which then becomes visible.

Paul Savage, CC BY 2.0

Rakesh Ahuja, MD, Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0

Cataract gold standard treatment is surgery; however, this is not the first treatment option in all cases. When the patient hasn’t undergone surgery, he should have periodic appointments with his ophthalmologist and evaluate his visual capacity to see that it has not diminished.