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SMS Foundation UK

Supporting SMS families for a positive future

We are a small charity that supports families living with Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS)

Never feel isolated or alone. Call our helpline and leave a message: 0300 101 0034 (we aim to respond to messages within 48 hours).

Newly Diagnosed?

Cataracts

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What are cataracts? 

Cataracts are a visual impairment caused by the lens in your eye developing cloudy patches which result in blurry vision. The lens in our eyes in a healthy condition are clear and transparent however over time with cataracts these patches become progressively worse creating more blurred/Misty vision over time potentially leading to blindness. 

What causes cataracts? 

Cataracts are caused by many different factors . Predominantly it is caused by aging or injury to the tissue of the lens. Overtime as a result of aging this just may occur naturally as the tissue deteriorates, on the other hand injury to the lens could cause the cataracts through excessive impact on the eyes lens. Furthermore other considerations have to be taken into for what causes cataracts, for example other inherited conditions may increase the likelihood of having the disorder , other visual impairments could leed to the damage of the lens also.

Signs and symptoms of cataracts include:

  • Clouded, blurred or dim vision.
  • Increasing difficulty with vision at night.
  • Sensitivity to light and glare.
  • Need for brighter light for reading and other activities.
  • Seeing “halos” around lights.
  • Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription.
  • Fading or yellowing of colors.
Woman showing cataracts in her eyes on the left visible by the clouded appearance, and without cataracts on the right
Woman showing cataracts in her eyes on the left visible by the clouded appearance, and without cataracts on the right.

How are Cataracts Diagnosed?

Cataracts is diagnosed through your typical eye examination. Specifically a visual acuity test, which uses letters on a board from a specific distance where the person being tested will have to read out a series of letters which progressively get smaller further down the board. As cataracts cause blurred vision the person wouldn’t be able to read the progressively smaller letters.

Results may lead the patient to be referred by the optician for further eye examinations to determine the root cause and confirm a diagnosis of cataracts.

Treatment Options

In the early stages of cataracts, when it isn’t so bad, strong prescription lenses tend to be the most common solution. However, when cataracts get progressively worse, surgery tends to be the only option to fully restore the vision. This is done by replacing the lens of the damaged eye

Resources

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353790

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