MEDICAL SURFARI: DON'T LOSE SIGHT OF CATARACTS

A cataract is a cloudy area in the normally transparent lens of the eye, and it may cause vision problems. The lens is the part of the eye that helps focus light onto the sensitive layer in the back of the eye called the retina, which sends visual signals to the brain. The lens is located just behind your pupil. A cataract may prevent light rays from passing through the lens and properly focusing on the retina and this may lead to blurry vision, hypersensitivity to light and glare, increased nearsightedness and/or distortion of images.

The most common type of cataract is related to aging, and it is estimated that more than half of all Americans age 65 and older have a cataract. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness among adults in the United States, accounting for one of every seven cases of blindness in people age 45 and older. Although cataracts are much more common in adults, they can sometimes be detected in young people and rarely can be found in a baby's eyes at birth. A cataract may also develop soon after an eye injury, or years later.

Although researchers are learning more about cataracts every day, no one knows for sure what causes them although tobacco smoking and diabetes may be related.

The most common symptoms of a cataract are related to diminished vision. Blurred vision, double vision and ghost images as well as the impression of a "film over the eyes" are common complaints. Also, colors may seem faded or indistinct. Some describe problems with lights such as headlights that seem too bright at night or irritating glare from lamps or sun, or a halo haze around lights.

Cataracts are diagnosed and detected by a comprehensive eye examination. Cataracts are treated in a variety of different ways depending on their severity. When an early cataract is detected different eyeglasses, magnifying lenses or better lighting may improve vision. For patients who find these measures ineffective, surgery is an option.

One surgical technique involves removing only the part of the lens affected by the cataract. In other cases where the entire lens or a very large part of the lens is involved, the entire lens may be removed. Fortunately, lens implants are available for patients that require complete removal of the lens. Today, many patients have lens implants, and about 90 percent achieve 20/40 vision or better. Most people who have cataract surgery can go home the same day although occasionally some patients may need to stay in the hospital overnight or for a few days.

There are many causes for visual changes other than cataracts. If you have experienced changes in your vision, seek a comprehensive eye examination. Periodic eye examinations are important in detecting vision disorders early so that they may be treated promptly and ideally prevent loss of vision.

World Wide Web Resources

Prevent Blindness America Home Page

http://www.prevent-blindness.org/

Prevent Blindness America is the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. They offer many programs and services including adult and children's vision screening, patient and public education programs, school-based programs and curriculums and a toll-free information hot line

(1-800-331-2020).

EyeNet

http://www.eyenet.org

This site by the American Academy of Ophthalmology provides information on many eye conditions and diseases such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. Refer to the site index additional material available through this site including other Eye Care Links.

National Eye Institute Tips...

http:www.nei.nih.gov/publications/tips/htm

This site will help patients take a more active role in their health care by offering tips for talking to your doctor to achieve a good level of communication. This site lists questions to ask about your specific disorder, causes, and how it can be treated.

National Eye Institute

http://www.nei.nih.gov/

This site provides information to researchers, health-care professionals, the public and patients, and educators.

Dr. Scott Gibbs is a neurosurgeon and editor-in-chief of Mosby's Medical Surfari. You may e-mail questions to him at drgibbs@semissourian.com or write in care of the Southeast Missourian, P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63701.