CATARACT: November 2010

Sunday, November 14, 2010

18. Surgery Summary

from http://www.gifsoup.com/view1/1358621/surgery1-o.gif and http://www.gifsoup.com/view1/1358621/surgery1-o.gif

1. -here are the parts of the eye
- cataract - caused by the changes in the protein in the lens
-develops over a long period of time - due to aging

from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrdNHVAnTLI and http://www.gifsoup.com/view4/1358669/surgery2-o.gif

2.-drops will placed on the eye to dilate or widen the pupil - so the surgeon will see the lens easier

-anasthetic drops will be placed to make the eye numb - or local injection is administered

from http://www.gifsoup.com/view4/1358709/surgery3-o.gif and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrdNHVAnTLI

3. -small incision is made on the surface-cut is small that no stitches is needed after operation

-an ultrasound tool is used to break up a lens

-the pieces sits on a thin sac of tissue called the lens capsule

from http://www.gifsoup.com/view4/1358773/surgery4-o.gif and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrdNHVAnTLI

4.-the pieces is then suctioned thru a tube

from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrdNHVAnTLI and http://www.gifsoup.com/view3/1358795/surgery5-o.gif

5.-an artificial lens or intraocular lens is inserted thru the cut into the lens capsule

-lens is folded - unfolds and replaces the old lens

-eye will be covered with a dressing or a shield

17. What can I do if I already have lost some vision from cataract?

What can I do if I already have lost some vision from cataract?

If you have lost some sight from cataract or cataract surgery, ask your eye care professional about low vision services and devices that may help you make the most of your remaining vision. Ask for a referral to a specialist in low vision. Many community organizations and agencies offer information about low vision counseling, training, and other special services for people with visual impairments. A nearby school of medicine or optometry may provide low vision services.

16. When will my vision be normal again?

When will my vision be normal again?

You can return quickly to many everyday activities, but your vision may be blurry. The healing eye needs time to adjust so that it can focus properly with the other eye, especially if the other eye has a cataract. Ask your doctor when you can resume driving.
If you received an IOL, you may notice that colors are very bright. The IOL is clear, unlike your natural lens that may have had a yellowish/brownish tint. Within a few months after receiving an IOL, you will become used to improved color vision. Also, when your eye heals, you may need new glasses or contact lenses.

15. Can problems develop after surgery?

Can problems develop after surgery?

Problems after surgery are rare, but they can occur. These problems can include infection, bleeding, inflammation (pain, redness, swelling), loss of vision, double vision, and high or low eye pressure. With prompt medical attention, these problems can usually be treated successfully.
Sometimes the eye tissue that encloses the IOL becomes cloudy and may blur your vision. This condition is called an after-cataract. An after-cataract can develop months or years after cataract surgery.
An after-cataract is treated with a laser. Your doctor uses a laser to make a tiny hole in the eye tissue behind the lens to let light pass through. This outpatient procedure is called a YAG laser capsulotomy. It is painless and rarely results in increased eye pressure or other eye problems. As a precaution, your doctor may give you eyedrops to lower your eye pressure before or after the procedure.

14. SURGERY

What happens before surgery?

A week or two before surgery, your doctor will do some tests. These tests may include measuring the curve of the cornea and the size and shape of your eye. This information helps your doctor choose the right type of IOL.
You may be asked not to eat or drink anything 12 hours before your surgery.

What happens during surgery?

from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrdNHVAnTLI
and http://www.gifsoup.com/view4/1358669/surgery2-o.gif

At the hospital or eye clinic, drops will be put into your eye to dilate the pupil.
The area around your eye will be washed and cleansed.
The operation usually lasts less than one hour and is almost painless. Many people choose to stay awake during surgery. Others may need to be put to sleep for a short time.
If you are awake, you will have an anesthetic to numb the nerves in and around your eye.
After the operation, a patch may be placed over your eye. You will rest for a while. Your medical team will watch for any problems, such as bleeding. Most people who have cataract surgery can go home the same day. You will need someone to drive you home.

What happens after surgery?

Itching and mild discomfort are normal after cataract surgery. Some fluid discharge is also common. Your eye may be sensitive to light and touch. If you have discomfort, your doctor can suggest treatment. After one or two days, moderate discomfort should disappear.
For a few days after surgery, your doctor may ask you to use eyedrops to help healing and decrease the risk of infection. Ask your doctor about how to use your eyedrops, how often to use them, and what effects they can have. You will need to wear an eye shield or eyeglasses to help protect your eye. Avoid rubbing or pressing on your eye.
When you are home, try not to bend from the waist to pick up objects on the floor. Do not lift any heavy objects. You can walk, climb stairs, and do light household chores.
In most cases, healing will be complete within eight weeks. Your doctor will schedule exams to check on your progress.

13. Is cataract surgery effective?

Is cataract surgery effective?

Cataract removal is one of the most common operations performed in the United States. It also is one of the safest and most effective types of surgery. In about 90 percent of cases, people who have cataract surgery have better vision afterward.

12. What are the risks of cataract surgery?

What are the risks of cataract surgery?

-infection-might lead to loss of vision
-bleeding
-retinal detachment
-high myopia (nearsightedness)

As with any surgery, cataract surgery poses risks, such as infection and bleeding. Before cataract surgery, your doctor may ask you to temporarily stop taking certain medications that increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. After surgery, you must keep your eye clean, wash your hands before touching your eye, and use the prescribed medications to help minimize the risk of infection. Serious infection can result in loss of vision.
Cataract surgery slightly increases your risk of retinal detachment. Other eye disorders, such as high myopia (nearsightedness), can further increase your risk of retinal detachment after cataract surgery. One sign of a retinal detachment is a sudden increase in flashes or floaters. Floaters are little "cobwebs" or specks that seem to float about in your field of vision. If you notice a sudden increase in floaters or flashes, see an eye care professional immediately. A retinal detachment is a medical emergency. If necessary, go to an emergency service or hospital. Your eye must be examined by an eye surgeon as soon as possible. A retinal detachment causes no pain. Early treatment for retinal detachment often can prevent permanent loss of vision. The sooner you get treatment, the more likely you will regain good vision. Even if you are treated promptly, some vision may be lost.
Talk to your eye care professional about these risks. Make sure cataract surgery is right for you.

11. TYPES OF CATARACTS

Are there other types of cataract?

Yes. Although most cataracts are related to aging, there are other types of cataract:

Secondary cataract. Cataracts can form after surgery for other eye problems, such as glaucoma. Cataracts also can develop in people who have other health problems, such as diabetes. Cataracts are sometimes linked to steroid use.
Traumatic cataract. Cataracts can develop after an eye injury, sometimes years later.
Congenital cataract. Some babies are born with cataracts or develop them in childhood, often in both eyes. These cataracts may be so small that they do not affect vision. If they do, the lenses may need to be removed.
Radiation cataract. Cataracts can develop after exposure to some types of radiation.

Saturday, November 13, 2010

10. DIABETES AND CATARACTS

HIGH BLOOD SUGAR CAN CAUSE SUGAR TO LEAK INTO THE EYE AND MAKES THE LENS SWELL.

DIFFUSION OF SUGAR DECREASES THE SWELLING.

REPETITION CAUSES CLOUDING - CATARACTS

How does diabetes cause cataracts?

Diabetes causes fluctuating blood sugar levels and high blood sugar. Surges in blood sugar can cause sugar to leak into the eye. Sugar that enters the eye causes the lens to swell. When the blood sugar diffuses, the swelling in the lens reduces. This repeated action causes clouding in the eye - known as cataracts.

Will I develop a cataract if I have diabetes?

Not everyone who is diabetic will develop cataracts, however diabetes increases the risk of developing cataracts by 60%. Not only does the risk of developing cataracts increase, but people with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age. The type of cataracts that develop as a result of diabetes are different to the type of cataract that develops with age.

How will diabetes affect my cataract extraction surgery?

Diabetes can cause the development of cataracts to speed up, meaning it is vital that anyone with diabetes has cataract extraction surgery as soon as the cataract is diagnosed.
Following cataract surgery, the risk of complications such as diabetic retinopathy or macular edema are increased in diabetic patients.

9. SMOKING & CATARACT

SMOKING - INCREASES OXIDATIVE STRESS ON LENS PROTEIN
http://www.agingeye.net/cataract/cataractinformation.php
The observational evidence linking cigarette smoking with risk of cataract is well-established; heavy smokers (15 cigarettes/day or more) have up to three times the risk of cataract as nonsmokers. Smoking is thought to increase risk of cataract, at least in part, by increasing oxidative stress in the lens. Oxidative stress can be caused by free radicals produced by reactions in the presence of tobacco smoke or other air pollutants; these free radicals may directly damage lens proteins and the fiber cell membrane in the lens. Intake of certain antioxidants has been shown to decrease cataract in a number of studies. A recent study investigated the effect of smoking cessation on cataract in US men and women (Am J Epidemiol 2002;155:72-9). Findings suggested that any healing from damage due to cigarette smoking occurs at a very modest pace, and this emphasizes the importance of never starting to smoke or quitting early in life. Compared with current smokers, former smokers who had quit smoking 25 or more years previously had a 20% lower risk of cataract extraction. However, risk among past smokers did not decrease to the level seen among never smokers.

Friday, November 12, 2010

8. FAQS

Current Research

What research is being done?

The National Eye Institute is conducting and supporting a number of studies focusing on factors associated with the development of age-related cataract. These studies include:

The effect of sunlight exposure, which may be associated with an increased risk of cataract.
Vitamin supplements, which have shown varying results in delaying the progression of cataract.
Genetic studies, which show promise for better understanding cataract development.

7. TYPES OF CATARACTS

Are there other types of cataract?

Yes. Although most cataracts are related to aging, there are other types of cataract:

Secondary cataract. Cataracts can form after surgery for other eye problems, such as glaucoma. Cataracts also can develop in people who have other health problems, such as diabetes. Cataracts are sometimes linked to steroid use.
Traumatic cataract. Cataracts can develop after an eye injury, sometimes years later.
Congenital cataract. Some babies are born with cataracts or develop them in childhood, often in both eyes. These cataracts may be so small that they do not affect vision. If they do, the lenses may need to be removed.
Radiation cataract. Cataracts can develop after exposure to some types of radiation.

6. ROLE OF PSW

ROLE OF PSW
1. INDIVIDUALITY

-PROVIDE FOR HOLISTIC CARE (PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, SPIRITUAL, SOCIAL, AND INTELLECTUAL)
-PROMOTE CLIENT'S RIGHT TO SELF DETERMINE OWN CARE
-PRIORITIZE CARE

2. ROLE
- BE ACCOUNTABLE AND PROMOTE CONFIDENTIALITY
- SET SAFETY PRIORITIES AND UNDERSTAND STRESS

3. INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
-EMPHATIZE AND RESPECT - promote DIPPS
-COMMUNICATE APPROPRIATELY
-BE ATTENTIVE AND SENSITIVE
-CLARIFY AND PARAPHRASE
-RESOLVE CONFLICT AND REDIRECT

4. SAFETY
-IDENTIFY SAFETY ISSUES AND RECTIFY
-CALL SURGEON, IF IN PAIN-ORR
-DON'T LET THE CLIENT DRIVE

from http://www.toonupsnippets.com/thumb-medical_art_washing_hands.gif.350.c.gif

-HYGIENE
-OBSERVE, RECORD AND REPORT
-WASH EYELID GENTLY WITH COTTON PAD WITH LUKE-WARM WATER OR STERILE WATER
-WEAR SHIELD WHEN SHOWERING, BATHING OR HAIR WASHING FOR 1 WEEK.

5. MOBILITY
-ASSIST CLIENT WITH MOBILITY
-ASSIST IN RANGE OF MOTION EXERCISES
-OBSERVE GOOD BODY MECHANICS
-HELP CLIENT IN MOVING ABOUT, AS NEEDED (VISION IS BLURRED)
-DAY OF SURGERY, ARRANGE FOR A DRIVER OR CAB
-ACCOMPANY CLIENT TO AND FROM THE HOSPITAL OR STAY OVERNIGHT AFTER SURGERY
-GRADUALLY INCREASE ACTIVITIES

6. ABUSE

7. HOUSEHOLD MANAGEMENT
-HOUSEKEEPING
-GROCERY SHOPPING AND OTHERS

from http://www.gifninja.com/Workspace/aab25c31-d168-4e42-88d2-f1216228a632/output.gif

-PROPER STORAGE OF FOOD
-NUTRITIONAL NEEDS OF CLIENT
-EAT AS USUAL OR FOLLOW A DIABETIC DIET
-MONEY HANDLING AND RECORD KEEPING
-SAFE FOOD HANDLING
-FOLLOW A RECIPE AND PROPER ADJUSTMENTS
-SERVE APPEALING FOOD

8. OPTIMAL SUPPORT
-REHABILITATION, REGENERATION AND RESTORATION
-AGAIN HOLISTIC CARE
-ORR
-ARRANGE FOR FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS EVEN BEFORE DISCHARGE
-REMIND TO LEAVE THE EYE SHIELD OR WEAR GLASSES TO PROTECT THE EYE (1-2WEEKS)
-SIT IN CHAIR TO PUT ON SHOES
-SLEEP ON BACK OR UNOPERATED SIDE FOR ONE WEEK
-DO NOT RUB OR BUMP EYE
-DO NOT PUT HEAD BELOW WAIST 2-3 DAYS WHEN BENDING OVER
-DO NOT LIFT HEAVIER THAN 20 LBS
-DO NOT GET CONSTIPATED (DIET)
-DO NOT SWIM, GOLF OR SPORTS

9. PERSONAL HYGIENE

from http://mysite.verizon.net/biztpr8o/bathingsanta.gif

-ASSIST IN PERSONAL HYGIENE, AS NEEDED
-ON SURGERY, WEAR SHORT-SLEEVED SHIRT OR BLOUSE-PRESENT TWO CHOICES
-ASK CLIENT TO LEAVE VALUABLES AT HOME
-TELL CLIENT NOT TO WEAR PERFUME OR MAKE-UP
-REMIND TO BRING GLASSES OR SUNGLASSES

10. ASSIST THE FAMILY

11. ONGOING CONDITIONS
-KNOWLEDGE HOW THE BODY WORKS
-VITAL SIGNS
-DIABETES

12. ASSISTING IN MEDICATIONS
-NOTHING TO EAT AFTER MIDNIGHT THE NIGHT BEFORE SURGERY, UNLESS INSTRUCTED OTHERWISE
-REMIND PILLS ON MORNING OF SURGERY. DO NOT TAKE INSULIN, UNLESS TOLD SO. BRING INHALERS.
-ASSIST IN REMINDING
-AS LONG AS TAUGHT BY A QUALIFIED PERSON (RN OR Rx)
-ORR

GO TO: http://www.eyecataract.blogspot.com/

QUESTIONS?

DAY OF SURGERY
REMEMBER
from http://www.iveyeye.ca/patient/cataract.htm

Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before your surgery, unless instructed otherwise.
Take pills as instructed with a sip of water on morning of surgery. Do not take insulin, unless told to do so. Bring inhalers to hospital.
Wear short-sleeved button front shirt or blouse. No undershirts, pantyhose or girdles, please.
Leave all jewellery (INCLUDING RINGS) and valuables at home.
Do not use scented products (perfume, aftershave, powder, spray). Do not use eye make-up or face make-up.
Bring your glasses or sunglasses (including case) with you.
Your driver must remain in the hospital during your stay.
You must have a responsible adult take you home and stay with you overnight after surgery.

Your family member or friend will be asked to wait in the waiting room before your surgery.
Blood tests may be done before your surgery (i.e. blood sugar, if diabetic).
Your blood pressure, pulse and temperature will be taken.
Eye drops or gel will be put into your eye.
An intravenous (IV) may be started.
The nurse will review the post-operative instructions with you.
You will be asked some questions by your nurse to be sure you are ready for your surgery.
You will be taken to the operating room on a stretcher.

After Your Surgery

You will return to the Cataract Suite for about 30 minutes
Your eye may be covered with a shield. You will be given your glasses to wear.
If you are diabetic, we will check your blood sugar. Medication will be given, if needed.
You may be given a prescription for eye drops. Start these eye drops, as instructed.
You may have a follow-up appointment the same day as your surgery (depends on the surgeon). You must have a responsible adult wait with you from the time you are discharged from the Cataract Suite/SDCU until after the appointment.

At Home

You must have a responsible adult stay with you the night of surgery.
Leave eye shield on or wear glasses to protect the eye.
There will be some mucous and tears from the eye. The eye may feel irritated or scratchy.
Spend the rest of the day quietly.
Take Acetaminophen (Tylenol) 325mg, 1-2 tablets every 4 hours for discomfort if needed.
You may eat as usual.
Resume your regular medication. Start eye drops if instructed.
Call your surgeon if you have severe pain.
You cannot drive or operate mechanical equipment for 24 hours after surgery due to the medication you have been given.

DAY AFTER SURGERY

Go to your eye surgeon as arranged.
Bring glasses or sunglasses with you.
Bring eye drops, if instructed.
DO NOT DRIVE.
Your surgeon will tell you when you may start to drive.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING EYE SURGERY
Do

Use prescribed eye drops, as instructed.
Wear glasses or eye shield at all times to protect eye from injury, at least for 1-2 weeks.
Wash your eyelid gently with a cotton makeup pad or clean facecloth with luke-warm tap water. Wipe from the inside corner outward. Your surgeon will discuss the use of sterile water if needed.
Wear eye shield when showering, bathing or hair washing for one week. Let the water hit your back not your face.
Gradually increase your activity on the advice of your eye surgeon.
Sit in a chair to put on shoes.
Sleep on back or unoperated side for 1 week. Place a pillow between your knees to help avoid turning over during sleep.

Don’t

Do not rub or bump the operated eye.
Do not get water in the eye.
Do not put your head down below your waist for 2-3 days when bending over.
Do not strain or lift anything heavier than 20 lbs., for the first week, after surgery.
Do not get constipated (causes straining).
Do not swim, golf, or play contact sports until your eye surgeon says you can.

HOW TO PUT IN EYE DROPS

Wash hands before and after putting in eye drops.
Pull the lower eyelid down.
Put the drop into the space between the lower eyelid and the eyeball as shown in the picture below. If using more than one type of drop, wait 5 minutes between each bottle.
Close your eye.
Gently wipe away any drops or tears with Kleenex, from inside to outside corner of eye.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FROM YOUR EYE SURGEON
Contact your Eye Surgeon if:

Your operated eye becomes very painful or swollen.
There is an increase in mucous discharge.
There is a decrease in vision in your operated eye.

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

5. TREATMENT

How is a cataract treated?

from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YU3nExQveo
and http://www.gifsoup.com/view4/1350753/swap-o.gif

The symptoms of early cataract may be improved with new eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses, or magnifying lenses.

If these measures do not help, surgery is the only effective treatment.

Surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens.

from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spJHR3FJvTg
and http://www.gifsoup.com/view2/1350806/eye-surgery-o.gif

A cataract needs to be removed only when vision loss interferes with your everyday activities, such as driving, reading, or watching TV.

from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rstaWYxQH28
and http://www.gifsoup.com/view4/1350856/eyecenter-o.gif

You and your eye care professional can make this decision together. Once you understand the benefits and risks of surgery, you can make an informed decision about whether cataract surgery is right for you. In most cases, delaying cataract surgery will not cause long-term damage to your eye or make the surgery more difficult. You do not have to rush into surgery.

Sometimes a cataract should be removed even if it does not cause problems with your vision. For example, a cataract should be removed if it prevents examination or treatment of another eye problem, such as age-related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy. If your eye care professional finds a cataract, you may not need cataract surgery for several years. In fact, you might never need cataract surgery.

By having your vision tested regularly, you and your eye care professional can discuss if and when you might need treatment.
If you choose surgery, your eye care professional may refer you to a specialist to remove the cataract.

from http://www.gifsoup.com/view2/1074266/exploding-eyeballs-o.gif

If you have cataracts in both eyes that require surgery, the surgery will be performed on each eye at separate times, usually four to eight weeks apart.

Many people who need cataract surgery also have other eye conditions, such as age-related macular degeneration or glaucoma.

If you have other eye conditions in addition to cataract, talk with your doctor. Learn about the risks, benefits, alternatives, and expected results of cataract surgery.

What are the different types of cataract surgery?

There are two types of cataract surgery. Your doctor can explain the differences and help determine which is better for you:

from http://www.gifsoup.com/view4/1350401/eye2-o.gif
and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-pYthWiDqk

from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-pYthWiDqk
and http://www.gifsoup.com/view4/1350374/eye-o.gif

Phacoemulsification, or phaco. A small incision is made on the side of the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. Your doctor inserts a tiny probe into the eye. This device emits ultrasound waves that soften and break up the lens so that it can be removed by suction. Most cataract surgery today is done by phacoemulsification, also called "small incision cataract surgery."
Extracapsular surgery. Your doctor makes a longer incision on the side of the cornea and removes the cloudy core of the lens in one piece. The rest of the lens is removed by suction.

After the natural lens has been removed, it often is replaced by an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL). An IOL is a clear, plastic lens that requires no care and becomes a permanent part of your eye. Light is focused clearly by the IOL onto the retina, improving your vision. You will not feel or see the new lens.
Some people cannot have an IOL. They may have another eye disease or have problems during surgery. For these patients, a soft contact lens, or glasses that provide high magnification, may be suggested.

4. SYMPTOMS AND DETECTION

What are the symptoms of a cataract?

The most common symptoms of a cataract are:

Cloudy or blurry vision.
Colors seem faded.
Glare. Headlights, lamps, or sunlight may appear too bright. A halo may appear around lights.
Poor night vision.
Double vision or multiple images in one eye. (This symptom may clear as the cataract gets larger.)

from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qg1iPiCV8qs
and http://www.gifsoup.com/view1/1350717/glasses-o.gif

Frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contact lenses.
These symptoms also can be a sign of other eye problems. If you have any of these symptoms, check with your eye care professional.

How is a cataract detected?

Cataract is detected through a comprehensive eye exam that includes:

Visual acuity test. This eye chart test measures how well you see at various distances.

from http://www.gifsoup.com/view4/1358669/surgery2-o.gif
and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrdNHVAnTLI

Dilated eye exam. Drops are placed in your eyes to widen, or dilate, the pupils. Your eye care professional uses a special magnifying lens to examine your retina and optic nerve for signs of damage and other eye problems. After the exam, your close-up vision may remain blurred for several hours.
Tonometry. An instrument measures the pressure inside the eye. Numbing drops may be applied to your eye for this test.

Your eye care professional also may do other tests to learn more about the structure and health of your eye.

3. CAUSES OF CATARACT

What causes cataracts?

from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdotfhMGfTk&feature=related
and http://www.gifsoup.com/view3/1358544/camera-o.gif

Lens - lies behind the iris and the pupil
works much like a camera lens
focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye, where an image is recorded
The lens adjusts the eye's focus, letting us see things clearly both up close and far away

The lens is made of mostly water and protein. The protein is arranged in a precise way that keeps the lens clear and lets light pass through it.

from photo from http://www.medicinenet.com/eye_diseases_pictures_slideshow/article.htm

But as we age, some of the protein may clump together and start to cloud a small area of the lens. This is a cataract. Over time, the cataract may grow larger and cloud more of the lens, making it harder to see.

taken from http://www.gifsoup.com/webroot/animatedgifs/999997_o.gif

from http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/HealthInfo/diabetes.gif

from http://www.gifninja.com/Workspace/f39cd75b-30ea-4039-b04f-95273a09e929/output.gif

Researchers suspect that there are several causes of cataract, such as smoking and diabetes. Or, it may be that the protein in the lens just changes from the wear and tear it takes over the years.

How can cataracts affect your vision?

Age-related cataracts can affect your vision in two ways:

Clumps of protein reduce the sharpness of the image reaching the retina.
The lens consists mostly of water and protein. When the protein clumps up, it clouds the lens and reduces the light that reaches the retina. The clouding may become severe enough to cause blurred vision. Most age-related cataracts develop from protein clumpings.
When a cataract is small, the cloudiness affects only a small part of the lens. You may not notice any changes in your vision. Cataracts tend to "grow" slowly, so vision gets worse gradually. Over time, the cloudy area in the lens may get larger, and the cataract may increase in size. Seeing may become more difficult. Your vision may get duller or blurrier.
The clear lens slowly changes to a yellowish/brownish color, adding a brownish tint to vision.
As the clear lens slowly colors with age, your vision gradually may acquire a brownish shade. At first, the amount of tinting may be small and may not cause a vision problem. Over time, increased tinting may make it more difficult to read and perform other routine activities. This gradual change in the amount of tinting does not affect the sharpness of the image transmitted to the retina.
If you have advanced lens discoloration, you may not be able to identify blues and purples. You may be wearing what you believe to be a pair of black socks, only to find out from friends that you are wearing purple socks.

When are you most likely to have a cataract?

The term "age-related" is a little misleading. You don't have to be a senior citizen to get this type of cataract.

In fact, people can have an age-related cataract in their 40s and 50s. But during middle age, most cataracts are small and do not affect vision. It is after age 60 that most cataracts steal vision.

Who is at risk for cataract?

The risk of cataract increases as you get older. Other risk factors for cataract include:

Certain diseases such as diabetes.
Personal behavior such as smoking and alcohol use.
The environment such as prolonged exposure to sunlight.

What can I do to protect my vision?

from http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3370/3549345047_03ec4a345c_o.gif

Wearing sunglasses and a hat with a brim to block ultraviolet sunlight may help to delay cataract.

If you smoke, stop.

from http://www.auburnschools.org/auburn_early_ed/graphics/foodgroups-animated.gif

Researchers also believe good nutrition can help reduce the risk of age-related cataract. They recommend eating green leafy vegetables, fruit, and other foods with antioxidants.