Symptoms of cataracts

Written by Li Min
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 08, 2024
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The symptoms of cataracts are diverse. Firstly, the most primary manifestation is a decline in vision, which is a painless and gradual decrease. Unlike glaucoma, where the decrease in vision is accompanied by swelling pain in the eyes and even headaches, the vision decrease in cataracts occurs gradually and not suddenly. If the onset is sudden, then it is generally not considered to be caused by cataracts. Besides the painless, gradual decline in vision, some patients may experience a decrease in contrast sensitivity, and changes in refraction. For example, patients who have presbyopia might find that their presbyopia diminishes and their nearsightedness worsens if they develop cataracts, particularly nuclear cataracts. Some people may experience monocular diplopia or polyopia, as well as varying degrees of visual field defects.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
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Cataract is what?

All sorts of reasons, such as aging, genetics, local nutritional disorders, immune and metabolic abnormalities, trauma, poisoning, radiation, etc., can cause metabolic disorders in the lens, leading to the denaturation of the lens proteins and resulting in opacity known as cataract. At this point, the light is obstructed by the opaque lens and cannot be projected onto the retina, causing blurred vision. It is commonly seen in people over the age of forty, and the incidence increases with age. This disease can be divided into congenital cataracts and acquired cataracts. Congenital cataracts are also known as developmental cataracts, and there are six types of acquired cataracts.

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Is vitreous opacity cataract?

Vitreous opacity and cataract are two different concepts; they are two different diseases. Vitreous opacity occurs when the collagen in the vitreous cavity slowly emulsifies into a turbidity. A cataract occurs when the lens inside the human eye becomes cloudy, forming a cataract. These are two completely different diseases, and their treatment methods are generally different as well. Cataract treatment primarily involves surgery, whereas vitreous opacity, including floaters, does not require surgical treatment.

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What is good to eat for cataracts?

Research shows that cataracts are related to the lack of certain trace elements, vitamin B, vitamin C, and amino acids. Therefore, we should eat more vegetables, fruits, fish, meat, and animal organs that contain the above substances in our diet. The diet should be light, avoiding greasy, heavily salted foods and strong spices. At the same time, smoking and alcohol should be avoided to cultivate good eating habits and maintain balanced nutrition. Additionally, it is important to rest and boost one's immunity, which are beneficial for preventing cataracts and inhibiting their progression.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
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Causes of cataracts

Various causes, such as aging, genetics, local nutritional disorders, immune and metabolic abnormalities, trauma, poisoning, radiation, etc., can lead to metabolic disorders of the lens, causing the denaturation of lens proteins and resulting in cloudiness; this is called cataract. Cataracts can be divided into congenital and acquired. Congenital cataracts, also known as developmental cataracts, are divided into anterior polar cataracts, posterior polar cataracts, nuclear cataracts, and total cataracts. Acquired cataracts are divided into senile cataracts, complicated cataracts, traumatic cataracts, metabolic cataracts, radiation cataracts, and those related to medications and poisoning.

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What are the symptoms of cataracts?

Cataracts are caused by the clouding of the lens, leading to a decline in vision. Early symptoms include blurred vision, sometimes seeing black spots, and some patients report a significant decrease in vision in dim light, with both near and distant vision being unclear. As cataracts progress, the decline in vision becomes more pronounced, severely affecting the quality of life. Some patients with cataracts may also experience double vision, changes in color perception, and a significant decrease in vision, requiring surgical treatment.