Cataract is a clouding condition of the eye’s lens caused by a buildup of protein that blocks the lens and causes impaired vision. Generally, cataract symptoms will begin to appear after reaching the age of 40 as an early process of aging, and, are the main cause of blindness in developing countries. However, cataract can also occur in younger people and associated with health conditions, such as diabetes, or can be caused by injury or medication use.

Cataract Symptoms

The following are some of the symptoms of cataracts, such as:

  1. Vision becomes blurred, hazy, or foggy.
  2. Decreased night vision.
  3. Sensitive to bright and glare light.
  4. The colors seen become faded or yellower than usual.
  5. Requires brighter light when reading.
  6. Having double vision.

 

Causes of Cataracts at a Young Age

Several factors can cause cataracts at a young age, as follows:

  1. Eye injury, such as blunt trauma, exposure to sharp objects.
  2. Exposure to chemicals, ultraviolet (UV) light or ion radiation.
  3. Intraocular inflammation.
  4. Suffering diabetes mellitus.
  5. Having a congenital metabolic disorder.
  6. Chronic hypocalcemia.
  7. Using steroid drugs for a long time.
  8. Unhealthy lifestyles, such as smoking, lack of nutrition, or drug use.

 

Cataract Treatment

The only way to treat cataracts is through surgery on the eye to replace the cloudy eye lens with an artificial lens (intraocular lens) and restore clear vision. If surgery is not performed, cataracts can cause blindness over time.

 

Prevention of Cataracts at a Young Age

Several steps can be taken to prevent or slow down the process of cataracts, such as:

  1. Routinely check your eye health at an ophthalmologist.
  2. Protect your eyes from exposure to sunlight by using dark glasses or glasses that have an anti-UV coating.
  3. Controlling health conditions that can cause cataracts, such as maintaining blood sugar levels for diabetes sufferers.
  4. Use bright lighting/lamps when reading.
  5. Give up smoking.

 

Cataracts are a common part of aging, but that doesn't make the diagnosis any easier to hear. If you experience symptoms of blurred vision, double vision, or blurred vision and you are under 60 years old, you may have early cataracts. An ophthalmologist can diagnose this condition and help you develop a treatment plan.

If you develop cataracts early in life, it could mean you have another health condition. You may need to consult a health professional to make sure you do not have other health problems.

Cataracts ultimately require surgery to repair. The prospect of having eye surgery can make you feel nervous, and you may wonder what your vision will be like afterward. Try not to worry too much. You can try to find at least one person who has had surgery and can be a source of information for you. Talk to them and ask about their experiences. But don't feel pressured or in a rush to schedule surgery. Work with your doctor to decide when is right for you.

 

References:

  • Naresh K Midha, et.al. 2021. Rapidly Developing Cataract in Young Adult Patients: Always a Matter for Further Evaluation. Cureus. 13(8): e17312
  • Cleveland Clinic. Cataracts (Age-Related). Cleveland Clinic. Last reviewed: July 3, 2023. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8589-cataracts-age-related
  • Kathryn Watson. What to Know If You Have Early Cataracts. Healthline. Last reviewed: April 6, 2023. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/early-cataracts