Not all eye infections or diseases are a cause for concern, but some eye disorders can result in blindness if not attended to in a timely and proper manner. A cataract is one of the leading causes of blindness, followed by refractive errors.

The condition is characterized by a cloud-like formation on the lens of the eye. It can affect anyone at any age and gradually worsens if not treated in time. When a person is in their middle age, cataracts are small and do not affect vision. Although for people over 50, the condition starts causing serious issues and disrupts their vision.

1, Types of cataract
The different types of cataract types are:

• Subcapsular cataract
  This form of cataract occurs at the back of the lens. Diabetics have a higher risk of developing this cataract.
• Nuclear cataract
  It forms in the nucleus of the lens and is associated with aging. When a nuclear cataract first develops, you tend to have an improved vision, which is short-lived, after which the vision becomes blurry.
• Cortical cataract
  This occurs in the lens cortex and is a white, wedge-like opacity that starts in the periphery of the lens and works its way into the center like a spoke.

2. Effects of cataract on vision
Initially, a cataract may not have much effect on your ability to see. Slowly, your vision may be a little blurred and sunlight and light will look excessively bright or glaring. When you drive at night the oncoming headlights can cause more glare than before. In time, colors may not be as bright as they once were.

3. How does a cataract form?
The lens in the eye works like a camera lens which focuses light on the retina for clear vision. It is made of water and protein, with the protein arranged in a manner to let light pass in a way to keep the lens clear. As you age, the protein sometimes clumps together to cloud a small area of the lens. The clumping is called a cataract. Over a period, it may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, which makes it hard to see.

There are some factors which may advance the appearance of a cataract:

• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Smoking
• High myopia
• Alcohol consumption
• Family history
• High exposure to UV rays

Some studies prove that antioxidant-rich foods can help to prevent cataracts and may also be great for other eye infections or diseases.

4. Cataract prevention
Certain nutrients and nutritional supplements can reduce the risk of cataracts. According to research, a high intake of vitamin E and carotenoids significantly reduces risks of cataracts. Antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids also reduce the risk of developing this eye disease. Wearing sunglasses to block out the sun’s UV rays is another highly beneficial method of protecting the eye lens.

5. Cataract treatment
Initially, when symptoms appear, you can manage for a while with new glasses, bifocals, or appropriate lighting and aids. When the cataract progresses, surgery becomes necessary. Surgery for eye diseases like cataracts is a very simple and painless procedure, thanks to the advancement in research. The clouded lens is removed and replaced with a plastic intraocular lens (IOL). If a cataract has developed in both eyes, surgery will be done keeping a gap of a few weeks or months between both procedures, depending on the person’s age and overall health condition. People who are on medication for hypertension or blood-related diseases need to have additional precautionary tests to ensure they are eligible for surgery