Cataracts

Are you getting on in years and experiencing slightly blurred vision while also being dazzled by bright lights in the dark? Then you might have developed cataracts, a very common eye condition. Cataracts affect many of us, especially those over 60 years old – approximately 30-40% of people in Denmark undergo cataract surgery. Read on to find out what the symptoms of cataracts are, why they occur, and how the condition is treated.

What are cataracts?

Cataracts occur because the proteins in the eye begin to clump together, which results in the eye's natural lens becoming cloudy and thus preventing light from passing freely through the eye. Normally, the lens is clear and helps to focus light onto the retina. When the lens becomes cloudy, light is prevented from reaching the retina, leading to blurred vision and making you feel as if you are looking through a dirty window. The name 'cataract' comes from the greyish appearance the lens can take on when it becomes cloudy. Cataracts usually develop gradually and worsen over time. They often begin with small changes in vision that can be difficult to notice at first. Untreated cataracts can unfortunately lead to significant vision loss and, in rare cases, blindness.

What do cataracts feel like?

Cataracts do not cause itching, burning, or pain in your eyes. It can be experienced as blurred or double vision, and if you wear glasses, cataracts can feel as if the lenses are constantly dirty. You may also feel discomfort from bright light sources, and colors may appear unclear and faded. If you experience any of these symptoms, we recommend that you have your eyes examined by an optician or ophthalmologist. Regular eye examinations, especially if you are over 60, can help detect cataracts early. The earlier cataracts are detected, the better the chances for treatment and restoration of vision.

What causes cataracts?

Cataracts most often affect people over 60. Statistics show that 30% of people over 65 have cataracts that limit their vision – and this rises to 50% for people over 80. However, younger individuals can also develop the condition, especially if they have certain risk factors such as diabetes, eye injuries, or prolonged exposure to UV rays. Cataracts typically affect both eyes, as they have been exposed to the same environmental influences. Discover the typical causes of cataracts:

• Aging (60+)
• Exposure to UV rays
• Diabetes and metabolic disorders
• Smoking
• Hereditary factors

What are the first symptoms of cataracts?

Keep an eye out for the most common symptoms of cataracts:

• Blurred or foggy vision: Your vision may feel blurry or less sharp, as if you are looking through a dirty window.
  
  
• Increased light sensitivity: You may become more sensitive to bright light, especially from the sun or car headlights at night.
  
  
• Reduced night vision: It may become more difficult to see clearly in the dark or in dimly lit environments.
  
  
• Glare: Light from lamps, the sun, or car headlights can create disruptive glare.
  
  
• Colors are duller: Colors may start to look paler or more yellowish.
  
  
• Double vision in one eye: In some cases, double vision may occur, even when only one eye is used.
  
  
• Extra light: Need for extra or stronger light for reading, for example.
  
  
• More frequent need for glasses: You may find that your vision changes often and that you need to change the strength of your glasses or contact lenses more frequently than usual.

If you experience any of these symptoms, we recommend that you have your eyes examined by an optician or ophthalmologist.

Can you prevent cataracts?

Cataracts cannot always be prevented, as it is typically an age-related condition that often occurs naturally over time. However, there are some things you can do to prevent or delay cataracts:

• Protect your eyes: Prolonged exposure to the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays can increase the risk of cataracts. Wear sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes from the sun. See all our recycled sunglasses with 100% UV protection.
  
  
• Eat healthily: A diet rich in antioxidants, found in fruits and vegetables, can help protect the eye. Foods with vitamins A, C, and E, as well as zinc and omega-3 fatty acids, are good for eye health – these can include: kale, spinach, carrots, berries and citrus fruits, fatty fish like salmon.
  
  
• Avoid smoking: Smoking is associated with an increased risk of cataracts, as it can accelerate oxidative processes in the eye. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of eye diseases.
  
  
• Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can increase the risk of developing cataracts.
  
  
• Control chronic diseases: Diseases like diabetes increase the risk of cataracts. It is therefore important to keep blood sugar under control if you have diabetes and to follow a healthy lifestyle in general.
  
  
• Avoid eye injuries: Eye injuries can increase the risk of cataracts. Wear protective glasses when working in environments where there is a risk of injury.
  
  
• Eye examinations: Regular examinations by an optician or ophthalmologist can help detect cataracts early, before symptoms become severe.

While these measures can reduce the risk and delay development, cataracts cannot always be avoided, especially when caused by aging. But regular eye examinations and a healthy lifestyle are key to maintaining good vision for as long as possible.

How are cataracts detected?

Cataracts are often detected during a thorough examination by an optician or ophthalmologist, who examines the lens and other parts of the eye to look for signs of cloudiness that indicate cataracts. The first part of the examination is a standard vision test, where the ophthalmologist tests how well you can see at different distances. If there are problems with sharpness or focus, it could be a sign of cataracts.

When should you have cataract surgery?

You typically undergo cataract surgery when vision problems begin to affect your daily life. This could involve difficulties reading, driving, recognizing faces, or performing tasks that require particularly good vision. The ophthalmologist will assess, based on a series of tests, how much cataracts are affecting your vision and whether surgery is necessary. Your general health and any other eye conditions will also be taken into consideration.

Cataract surgery is rarely urgent, and in most cases, you can schedule the operation when it suits you. However, it is important to react if your vision rapidly deteriorates. Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure that is quick and safe, typically lasting between 15-20 minutes. The original biological lens sits in a capsule, and during the operation, the doctor removes the contents of this capsule using ultrasound, after which the doctor inserts an artificial lens into the empty capsule. The operation is performed under local anesthesia, and you can usually go home the same day. After the operation, you will be dazzled by the bright light from the operating microscope for approximately 15 minutes. Initially, your vision will be a little blurry, but after a few days to weeks, your vision will clear up, and you will see clearly again with the new lenses.

What is secondary cataract?

The good news is that once you've had cataract surgery, you cannot develop cataracts again. However, you can develop what is called a secondary cataract, which often appears months to years after the operation and affects about 15% of those who have undergone surgery. Secondary cataracts cause almost the same symptoms as primary cataracts but can be treated quickly and painlessly with laser. Fortunately, just like with primary cataracts, you can only develop secondary cataracts once.

Can you wait too long with cataracts?

Yes, it is possible to wait too long to have cataracts treated. If the disease develops untreated, your vision can become very poor. Furthermore, the lens can harden, which makes the operation more complicated. If cataracts are not treated, it can lead to severe vision loss and, in rare cases, blindness.

What is the difference between cataracts and glaucoma?

Cataracts and glaucoma are both eye disorders but are two different eye diseases. Cataracts can usually be treated with an operation, whereas glaucoma is more serious as it can damage the optic nerve and lead to blindness if not treated in time.

Briefly about cataracts: Cataracts occur when the eye's natural lens becomes cloudy. This cloudiness prevents light from passing through the lens, resulting in blurred or reduced vision. Cataracts can be treated with an operation where the old lens is replaced with an artificial lens. Cataracts typically occur with age. 50% of people over 80 have developed cataracts, and approximately 30-40% in the Western world undergo cataract surgery.

Briefly about glaucoma: Glaucoma is a condition where there is a slow destruction of the optic nerve, often due to elevated pressure in the eye. This damage can lead to gradual vision loss and, in the worst case, blindness if it is not treated. In Denmark, approximately 100,000 people suffer from glaucoma, but only half are diagnosed. To preserve vision, it is important to get treatment, which initially involves eye drops. Read more about glaucoma and learn more about the eye disease.

Are cataracts hereditary?

Cataracts are partly hereditary, but it is rarely the sole cause. For most people, cataracts are due to a combination of genetic factors and external influences such as aging, UV exposure, and lifestyle. Congenital cataracts, which are present at birth or develop early in life, are often hereditary. If there is a history of cataracts in your family, you should be aware of the previously mentioned symptoms and have your eyes checked by an optician or ophthalmologist at regular intervals.

How many types of cataracts are there?

Cataracts come in many different types, varying in causes, symptoms, and treatment. Regardless of the type, it is important to be aware of symptoms such as blurred vision, light sensitivity, and difficulty seeing clearly. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent cataracts from developing into a serious problem that affects quality of life. Regular eye examinations can detect cataracts early and ensure the correct treatment. There are several different types of cataracts. Identify the most common types:

• Age-related cataracts (nuclear cataracts): Age-related cataracts, specifically nuclear cataracts, are a type of cataract that develops as part of the natural aging process. They affect the center of the eye's lens, called the lens nucleus, and are the most common form of cataracts in older adults. With age, the proteins in the lens begin to clump together, making the lens cloudy. This process often starts in the middle of the lens (the nucleus) and can slowly spread. Over time, the lens becomes harder and darker, which can significantly affect vision.
  
  
• Congenital cataracts: Congenital cataracts are present at birth or develop in the first years of life. This type is relatively rare and can be caused by hereditary factors or infections during pregnancy, such as rubella.
  
  
• Traumatic cataracts: Eye injuries can lead to cataracts. This can be caused by a direct physical impact, e.g., a sharp object, burns, or strong blows to the head that affect the lens. It is important to wear protective eyewear during activities where there is a risk of eye injury. Traumatic cataracts can occur immediately after the injury or develop gradually over time, depending on the extent of the damage. The lens can become cloudy in a specific part or throughout the entire lens, resulting in reduced vision.
  
  
• Secondary cataracts (subcapsular): Secondary cataracts develop as a complication of other medical conditions or treatments. This type can arise from several causes:
• Diabetes: Diabetes is a common cause of secondary cataracts, as elevated blood sugar can affect the eye's lens. 
• Medication: Long-term use of steroids, both as tablets and eye drops, can lead to the development of cataracts.
• Eye diseases: Other eye problems, such as uveitis (inflammation of the eye), can also cause cataracts.
  
• Age-related cataracts: This type of cataract most often develops in older individuals and is primarily due to natural age-related changes. However, genetic predisposition can make some people more prone to developing cataracts earlier or faster.
  
  
• Congenital cataracts: Cataracts that are present at birth or occur in childhood are often hereditary. They can be caused by genetic mutations or passed down from parents.
  
  
• Genetics: If there is a family history of cataracts, there is a higher risk of developing it earlier than others.

Use reading glasses after cataract surgery

Most people who undergo cataract surgery choose a lens with negative power, which allows them to see things at a distance. Unfortunately, the new artificial lens cannot adjust to seeing objects at close range, as the lens could previously when it was 'young'. Therefore, most people will need reading glasses. Few opt for a new lens that allows them to see at short, medium, and long distances. This lens is not offered as standard by the public healthcare system, nor is it the best choice for everyone, as it provides poorer contrast vision than the lens with negative power.

When should you seek help?

Cataracts are not usually dangerous as they can be treated, but they can lead to serious consequences for vision if not treated in time. Without treatment, cataracts can, in the worst case, lead to blindness, as the lens becomes so cloudy that light can no longer pass through the eye. However, it is important to note that this is rare, as cataracts are often detected and treated before they reach this stage. If you experience symptoms such as blurred vision or light sensitivity, you should contact an optician or ophthalmologist for help.

Facts about cataracts

Cataracts are one of the most common eye diseases in the world, especially among the elderly. It is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness globally, but fortunately, it can be treated effectively with surgery. Here are some key figures and facts about cataracts:

• Cataracts are responsible for approximately 51% of global blindness, corresponding to about 20 million people.
  
  
• Over 65 million people suffer from visual impairment caused by cataracts.
  
  
• More than 80% of people over 60 years of age develop cataracts to some degree.
  
  
• Cataracts are more prevalent as a cause of blindness in developing countries, where access to eye surgery may be limited.
  
  
• In well-developed countries, most cataract cases are detected and treated early, reducing the risk of blindness.
  
  
• Cataract surgery is one of the most performed operations globally, with over 10 million surgeries annually.
  
  
• Approximately 60,000 cataract operations are performed annually in Denmark.
  
  
• Cataract surgeries have a success rate of over 95% and are one of the most common and effective surgical procedures in the world.
  
  
• Over 90% of patients experience significant improvement in vision after surgery.
  
  
• Diabetes increases the risk of cataracts by approximately 60%.
  
  
• Smokers have up to three times higher risk of developing cataracts compared to non-smokers.
  
  
• Prolonged exposure to sunlight without protection increases the risk of early development of cataracts.