The development of a cataract can occur early in life or during adulthood from nutritional, inflammatory, traumatic, systemic, or a genetic predisposition. The usual characteristics of a painless advanced cataract can appear as a dense cloudiness or a dark defect in the line of sight. Although the loss of vision from cataracts can be restored through an operation, other painless vision loss as in the case of glaucoma becomes permanent.

However, if these conditions are caught early, vision can be maintained.
What causes a cataract? The main cause of a cataract usually stems from a loss of protein in the lenses of the eyes. With age; protein in the lenses breaks down and contributes to the formation of water vacuoles. The water content of adult lenses in the eyes consists of 65 per cent of their total weight. As the cataract continues to mature, water vacuoles in the lenses become one of the earliest signs of the many different types of cataracts. This water content is maintained by a chemical balance inside and outside of the lenses. Any changes to the chemical balance could cause swelling or shrinkage of the lenses, which can lead to a change in vision. Similar changes are also seen in diabetic patients who experience fluctuation in their blood sugar levels.
Unfortunately, exposure to ultra violet rays from the sun can cause protein break down in the lenses of the eyes. Consequently, protein break down also contributes to a decrease oxygen supply to the lenses. Without oxygen, these lenses of the eyes will begin to form cataracts.
It is important to protect your eyes from UV rays when living in a sunny climate. It is also imperative to wear UV coated lenses in regular glasses and sunglasses when outdoors. UV coated lenses should also be worn when riding inside a motor car as UV rays penetrate the windshield of vehicles. There are three types of UV rays that can cause cataract formation and damage to the retina. Therefore, it is important to have all three coatings on regular lenses as well as non-prescription sunglasses. You should contact your eye care specialist to ensure that all three coatings are on your current lenses.
New research on the formation of cataracts has determined that mineral supplements such as manganese and magnesium, along with antioxidants such as Vitamin C and E can aid in the prevention of cataracts. These supplements are known for their ability to increase oxygen to the lenses inside the eyes and assist in preventing protein break down.
For further information, or for a complete eye examination, please call Dr. Gordon’s office at the Hughes Medical Centre. The telephone number is (264) 497-3053. Call for an appointment.

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