Cataracts and Cloudy Eyes: What are the Causes and Treatment?
What is a Cloudy Eye Lens?
A cloudy eye lens is a condition where the eye’s lens becomes cloudy or opaque, impairing eyesight. The lens is a clear, pliable structure at the back of the iris and pupil that aids in focusing light onto the retina. When the lens is cloudy, it causes blurred or warped vision, hindering daily tasks.
Causes of Cloudy Eye Lens
There are a number of causes of cloudy eye lens, such as:
Aging: As one grows older, the lens in the eye goes through natural changes that lead to cloudiness. This is a frequent cause of cloudy eye lens among older adults.
Injury: A head or eye injury can result in the lens becoming cloudy.
Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions, like diabetes, can predispose a person to having a cloudy eye lens.
Genetics: Others may be born with a cloudy eye lens or develop it early in life due to genetics.
Symptoms of Cloudy Eye Lens
The symptoms of cloudy eye lens may differ based on the severity of the condition. Some of the common symptoms include:
Fuzzy Vision: Fuzzy or distorted vision due to cloudy eye lens makes it hard to read, watch television, or carry out daily activities.
Double Vision: Double vision or ghosting in a few instances due to cloudy eye lens.
Light Sensitivity: Cloudy eye lens may also make individuals light-sensitive and uncomfortable being in bright places.
Difficulty Seeing in the Night: Cloudy eye lens may result in difficulty in seeing during night, particularly during driving.
Treatment Options for Cloudy Eye Lens
Fortunately, cloudy eye lens can be treated with some options, which are as follows:
Surgery: In most cases, surgery is used to treat cloudy eye lens, in which the cloudy lens is excised and replaced by an artificial lens.
Medications: Medications in certain instances can be given to alleviate symptoms or retard the development of the condition.
Lifestyle Changes: Lifestyle modification, like using sunglasses, eating a balanced diet, and giving up smoking, can minimize the chances of developing cloudy eye lens.
Conclusion
Cloudy eye lens is a prevalent condition that can happen to anyone at any age. Knowing the causes, symptoms, and treatments will enable individuals to seek professional help and regain their eyesight. If you have symptoms of cloudy eye lens, meet with an eye doctor to find out the treatment.
