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Cataracts

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Submitted By dbertran
Words 328
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A

cataract is a cloudiness of the lens in your eye that prevents light from being focused clearly on the retina, which can impair your vision.  There are three different types of cataracts. -Nuclear -Subcapsular -Cortical

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nuclear cataract forms deep in the central zone (nucleus) of the lens. Nuclear cataracts usually are associated with aging.

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subcapsular cataract occurs at the back of the lens. People with diabetes have a greater risk of developing a subcapsular cataract.

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cortical cataract is characterized by white, wedge-like opacities that start in the periphery of the lens and work their way to the center in a spoke-like fashion. This type of cataract occurs in the lens cortex, which is the part of the lens that surrounds the central nucleus.

 Cloudy

or blurry vision.  Colors seem faded.  Poor night vision.  Double vision or multiple images in one eye.  Frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Normal Vision Vision with cataracts

 Macular

Degeneration--loss of central vision due to damage to the macula and surrounding blood vessels.  Retinal Detachment--Medical Emergency. Loss of vision can result if not treated within 24 hours of onset of symptoms.  Glaucoma--Fluid gets trapped in the eye causing an increase in eye pressure.  Diabetic Retinopathy--damage to the blood vessels in the retina caused by Diabetes

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cataract only needs to be removed when vision loss interferes with your everyday activities, such as driving, reading, or watching TV.  If you have cataracts in both eyes that requires surgery.

 Your

vision usually improves within 24 hours.  You need to use antibiotic eye drops prescribed by your doctor.  You want to avoid very strenuous activities for a short period after surgery, but most normal activities need not be restricted following cataract surgery.

 http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/c

ataracts.htm  http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/cataract/cat aract_facts.asp  http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/eyehealth-cataract-surgery  www.glaucoma.org

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