Could You Have Cataracts? Here’s How To Deal With It

You use the lens of your eye every day, for everything from reading to driving to watching your favourite television programmes. With age, the proteins inside your lens can clump together turning them from clear to cloudy. Certain behaviors can put you at a higher risk for getting a Cataract, these include:

• Too much time in the sun without eye protection.
• Smoking.
• High blood sugar.
• Using steroid medications.
• Exposure to radiation.

But you aren’t alone. Millions of Nigerians over the age of 40 have cataracts in one or both eyes, and many of them have had corrective surgery for the condition. If you have any of the following symptoms, talk to your eye doctor soon.

Cataracts start small and initially may have little effect on your vision. Things might seem a little blurry — this effect usually increases over time. The world will seem cloudy, blurry, or dim.
There are three main types of cataracts, affecting different parts of the lens:
• Posterior subscapular cataracts.
• Nuclear cataracts in the center of the lens.
• Cortical cataracts on the side of the lens, which appear as small streaks.

Those with nuclear cataracts may briefly see their vision improve. This sensation is sometimes called "second sight."
As cataracts become more advanced, they begin to darken with a yellow or brown tinge.
This begins to affect night vision and makes certain nighttime activities, such as driving, more difficult. In fact, a study from Curtin University in Australia found that treating cataracts reduced the risk of car accidents by at least 13%.

If you suspect you have cataracts, be very careful at night and don’t drive when your vision is compromised. For corrective remedy for cataracts, eye tests and other diagnostic services, do visit Afriglobal Medicare at 8, Mobolaji Bank-Anthony Way, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria or go to www.afriglobalmedicare.com.