Cataract and Its Impact on Vision: Medical, Social Aspects, and Treatment Methods
Abdurofiyeva Taxmina Avazovna
Student of Tashkent Medical Academy
Termiz Branch
Annotation
This article analyzes the negative impact of cataract disease on vision, its medical and social consequences, and the available treatment methods. It provides a scientific assessment of how cataracts affect patients’ quality of life and social activity. Cataract is the most common cause of blindness worldwide and mainly occurs among elderly people. The article discusses the causes, clinical symptoms, diagnostic methods, and the most effective surgical treatments for the disease. In addition, it highlights the impact of cataract on patients’ quality of life and social activity, as well as the resulting demand on healthcare systems. The article emphasizes the importance of preventive measures and raises awareness of the need for public education in combating the disease.
Cataract is a disease in which the lens of the eye loses its transparency, leading to impaired vision. It can affect one or both eyes. Treatment for cataract usually involves surgical removal of the damaged lens and replacement with an artificial one.
Keywords: Cataract, social activity, clinical signs, diagnostic methods, preventive measures, eye lens, World Health Organization (WHO), lens, cataract etiology, toxic cataract, polar cataract, capsular cataract.
Introduction
Vision is an integral part of human life, determining how we perceive, understand, work, and experience the world around us. Among the most widespread diseases in today’s technological age that lead to vision impairment, cataract holds a special place. A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s lens, causing blurred, hazy, and unclear vision of the surrounding environment. This disease is not only a medical issue but also has significant social and psychological effects on human life.
Cataract (from the Greek katarrhaktes — waterfall) is the opacity of the eye’s lens. This condition partially blocks the passage of light rays entering the eye, sometimes resulting in complete vision loss. Cataract, caused by the clouding of the eye’s lens, is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 50% of global blindness is related to cataract. The condition is especially common among older adults, significantly affecting their daily activities, independence, and social engagement.
Etiology and Types of Cataract: Medical and Clinical Approach
Cataract is a disease characterized by the clouding of the eye’s lens due to various causes, leading to reduced visual ability. It may occur in congenital or acquired forms. Although it mostly develops in elderly individuals, it can appear at any age.
Depending on the part of the lens affected, cataracts are classified into: anterior and posterior polar cataract, capsular cataract (affecting the capsule surrounding the lens), nuclear cataract (in the center of the lens), spindle-shaped, zonular or lamellar, complete membrane-like, polymorphic, and cortical cataract (affecting the peripheral layers of the lens).
When clouding begins in the lens, it is called a primary cataract, while opacity that appears after lens surgery or removal of cataract mass is known as a secondary cataract.
The main causes of cataract include:
- Hereditary factors
- Aging
- Inflammation of endocrine glands
- Eye injuries or diseases
- Long-term exposure to ultraviolet or radiation
- Toxic exposure (toxic or intoxication-related cataract)
- Deficiency of antioxidants
In children, cataract is usually congenital and appears during the first months of life. As the disease progresses, opaque spots form in the lens, gradually impairing vision. The symptoms often appear slowly, and many patients seek medical help only after significant vision loss.
Common symptoms of cataract include:
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Fading of colors (white may appear yellowish, cream may look grayish)
- Increased sensitivity to light (bright lights cause discomfort or pain)
- Difficulty driving at night or seeing road signs
- Eye strain or headaches caused by light glare
- Double vision in one eye
- Temporary improvement of nearsightedness (a sign of progression)
Types of Cataract
1. Congenital Cataract
Congenital cataract develops due to various factors affecting the mother or fetus during pregnancy. The causes may include:
- Exposure of the mother to toxic substances (chemicals, drugs, alcohol, smoking)
- Vitamin deficiency (especially A and C)
- Infectious diseases during pregnancy (measles, toxoplasmosis, rabies, flu, etc.)
- Rh incompatibility (difference between maternal and fetal blood types)
- Genetic disorders (e.g., Down syndrome, Marfan syndrome, galactosemia)
Congenital cataract is often detected at birth or develops slowly over time, reducing vision gradually. In some cases, it remains stable throughout life and only requires regular observation. However, if central vision is affected, surgery is necessary.
2. Acquired Cataract
Acquired cataract develops later in life due to various external or internal factors. Its main types include:
a) Senile (Age-related) Cataract
This is the most common form, typically seen in individuals over 55–60 years old. It results from natural aging and increased oxidative stress in the lens. Senile cataract progresses through four stages: initial, immature, mature, and overripe. Vision gradually becomes cloudy, glare appears, and bright lights scatter, creating multiple reflections.
b) Traumatic Cataract
Caused by physical injury, blunt force, or burns to the eye. Damage to the lens structure leads to clouding, often appearing some time after the trauma.
c) Complicated Cataract
Develops as a result of other eye diseases (e.g., glaucoma, iridocyclitis, uveitis) or systemic conditions (e.g., diabetes mellitus). Diabetic patients, in particular, are at high risk.
d) Radiation and Toxic Cataract
Results from exposure to ionizing radiation, ultraviolet light, prolonged high temperature, or industrial toxins (such as mercury, lead, or naphthalene). Long-term use of corticosteroid medications may also increase the risk of cataract formation.
Diagnosis
The following examinations are performed to diagnose cataract:
• Visometry – assessment of visual acuity;
• Biomicroscopy – examination of the condition of the lens;
• Ophthalmoscopy – inspection of the fundus of the eye;
• Ultrasonography – evaluation of ocular structures, especially useful in advanced cataract cases.
Prevention
To prevent the development of cataract, it is important to follow these measures:
• Eat healthy foods rich in vitamins;
• Protect the eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays by wearing quality sunglasses;
• Use special anti-glare glasses when working at a computer and give your eyes short breaks every 45 minutes;
• Take vitamin supplements regularly to support eye health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, failure to treat cataract in a timely manner may lead to serious complications such as retinal detachment, secondary glaucoma, or even complete blindness. Cataract is also common among people suffering from diabetes, which is considered a high-risk condition. It is essential not to ignore the early signs of the disease and to consult an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
A healthy lifestyle, a vitamin-rich diet, protection from UV rays, and regular eye rest can help prevent cataract development. Furthermore, undergoing an eye examination at least once a year plays a vital role in maintaining good eye health.
References
- World Health Organization. World Report on Vision. Geneva: WHO; 2019.
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. Cataract in the Adult Eye Preferred Practice Pattern®. San Francisco, CA; 2021.
- Kanski J.J., Bowling B. Clinical Ophthalmology: A Systematic Approach. 8th ed. Elsevier; 2015.
- Resnikoff S., et al. Global magnitude of visual impairment caused by uncorrected refractive errors in 2004. Bulletin of the World Health Organization. 2008.
- Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan. National Eye Health Program. Tashkent; 2020.
- Mukhamadiev R.O. – Professor at Samarkand State Medical Institute, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Hero of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Ophthalmology – Textbook for Medical Students.
- https://daryo.uz/2020/09/20/katarakta-eng-keng-tarqalgan-koz-kasalligining-7-ta-belgisi/
- https://uz.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bosh_Sahifa
- https://med24.uz/uz/bolezn/katarakta
- https://www.saif-optima.uz/uz/kataraktani-davolash/