Do You Think You Are Too Young To Develop CATARACTS?

Do-You-Think-You-Are-Too-Young-To-Develop-CATARACTS-Think-Again
If you think you are too young to have cataracts, then you must read this article. Though cataract is an age-related eye disease and most senior citizens have cataracts, it is wrong to think youngsters cannot develop cataracts. The latest data shows a skewed graph of youngsters getting cataracts. The concern of the development of cataracts at a young age must be confronted and solved. Here, we explain the minute details of cataracts, the causes of cataracts at a young age, and the difference between glaucoma and cataract, and what is the youngest age for cataract surgery. Let’s get started:
  1. What are Cataracts? What Leads to cataract development at a young age?
  2. Signs and symptoms of early onset of cataract
  3. Difference between cataract and glaucoma
  4.  Cataract treatment-  what is the youngest age for cataract surgery?

What are Cataracts? 

To understand how cataracts develop at a young age, we must first understand what cataracts are. Cataracts are clouding of the transparent lens located behind the pupil and Iris. Cataracts seem as if you are in a smoky room. Cataracts develop gradually and cannot be recognized in the preliminary stages. When the lens becomes densely crowded, it may start to pain; otherwise, cataracts do not cause any pain.

What leads to cataract development at a young age?

Typically, cataracts develop due to aging, which cannot be stopped, but other reasons may cause cataracts at a young age. They are caused when the lens’s proteins break down and cluster, causing clouding of the lens. The factors that lead to the disintegration of lens’ protein cause cataracts. The factors include
  •  Excess UV exposure to the eyes.
  • Diabetes( diabetes retinopathy is a common form of cataract caused by diabetes)
  •  Smoking
  •  Steroidal injections
  • Radiation therapy
Children too can have cataracts for the above reasons, and babies may be born with congenital cataracts.

Signs and symptoms when cataract starts early

The risk of cataracts is more if it is in family history. Therefore, those having a history of cataracts in the family must seek eye examination at least once a year. Also, reach out to the eye doctor on seeing the following symptoms.
  • Blurry or foggy vision
  •  Night glares
  •  Needing more light for reading and concentrating
  • Seeing halos around lights
  • Pupils turning grey or white
  •  A bright light appearing dull
Eye-Cataract
Some symptoms of cataracts and glaucoma are common, which makes them comparable, but the major difference is 一 advanced cataracts can be corrected with surgery; however, advanced glaucoma leads to irreversible, permanent vision loss, which cannot restore with surgery or any other treatment. Therefore, seeking an annual eye examination is of paramount importance to check their onset or any other insidious eye disorder.

Cataract treatment-  what is the youngest age for cataract surgery?

Often pediatric cataract leads to Strabismus(cross-eyes) or Amblyopia(Lazy eyes), adding more to vision problems. They can be diagnosed with regular eye examination or hospital by birth(congenital cataracts). Ophthalmologists intend to correct the vision symptoms through vision therapy by moderating the eye to brain coordination to undo the vision problems caused due to congenital or young age cataracts. They may also prescribe strong eyeglasses, to adjust the eyes’ power of accommodation. However, the above treatments are for the early stages of cataracts and if the vision does not improve or power changes frequently, the cataract surgery is recommended, which should not be deferred and done before clouding of the lens. With modern Robotic Technology, Cataract surgery is very safe for both adults and young. With experienced surgeons, it’s 20 minutes and an almost painless process that gives very accurate eye correction results. Cataracts in children must be diagnosed as soon as possible to reduce cataract progression and do away with other vision-related eye problems caused due to pediatric cataracts. Or if you are an adult and observe clouds or any other vision problem, reach out to us for diagnosis and cataract surgery in Navi Mumbai or Mulund/Mumbai. Learn more about our accurate and painless Robotic cataract surgery in Thane.