A cataract, commonly known as grey star, is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which causes blurry and unclear vision. As the cataract develops, less light is able to pass through the lens, resulting in foggy or dimmed sight. It is the most common eye disease of older adults, but can also develop after injury, inflammation, or due to certain illnesses.
Symptoms of Cataract
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Reduced sharpness and contrast
- Poor vision in low light or at night
- Sensitivity to bright light and glare
- Frequent changes in glasses without improvement
- Colors appear faded or distorted
Vision worsens gradually and without pain, so many patients notice it only later.
Causes
The most common cause is aging – the lens naturally becomes more opaque over time.
Other contributing factors:
- Diabetes mellitus
- Long-term corticosteroid use
- Eye injuries or inflammation
- Excessive UV exposure
- Smoking and unhealthy lifestyle habits
Diagnosis
Cataract is diagnosed during a complete eye examination, which includes:
- Measurement of visual acuity
- Slit-lamp examination
- Evaluation of lens clarity and retina condition
The examination is painless and takes only a few minutes.
Treatment of Cataract
Cataract cannot be treated with glasses or medication.
The only effective treatment is surgery — removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens.
Modern cataract surgery is:
- Painless, performed under local anesthesia
- Completed in just a few minutes
- The patient goes home the same day
After lens replacement, vision gradually improves, and most patients no longer need glasses for distance vision.
When to visit an Eye Doctor
If your vision is blurred, colors seem less vibrant, or night vision has worsened, schedule an eye examination.
At VILEA Eye Clinic, we will assess your eyesight, examine your lens, and recommend the most suitable treatment.
Early diagnosis of cataract helps preserve good vision and quality of life.
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