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Do Cataracts Cause Complete Blindness?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A cataract is an opacity that forms on the lens of the eye, initially making vision blurry or clouded. If left untreated, cataracts will cause blindness; in fact, they are the leading cause of blindness in the world. Cataract blindness can set in slowly, which is why it is important for people to get regular eye examinations to ensure that their eyes are healthy. Fortunately, blindness caused by cataracts can be treated, especially if it is caught early, and the surgery has a good success rate.

The cause of cataract blindness is not known. Many elderly people suffer from cataracts, suggesting that they may be part of the aging process. They have also been linked with diseases such as diabetes, exposure to radiation, trauma to an eye, or optical surgery to correct other conditions. The mechanism through which cataracts form, however, is fully understood, leading to an ability to treat it.

Many eye doctors believe that wearing sunglasses may help prevent cataracts.
Many eye doctors believe that wearing sunglasses may help prevent cataracts.

While some people think of a cataract as a growth on the eye, it actually forms inside the eye. Cataracts happen when proteins in the lens start to coagulate, forming a dense white layer of opaque material. Initially, a patient may not be aware that he or she has this problem, and may attribute the decline in the ability to see to a need for new glasses. The only way to fix the problem is to surgically remove the cataracts.

Cataract surgery may ultimately be performed to address cataracts.
Cataract surgery may ultimately be performed to address cataracts.

There are three primary types of cataract blindness. The most common type starts with a nuclear cataract, which forms in the nucleus of the eye. Patients frequently notice this type of cataract early on, since the nucleus is in the center of the eye. Cortical cataracts form along the edges of the eye, and move in towards the center. A loss of peripheral vision is a symptom of this condition. A subcapsular cataract forms in the back of the lens.

Eating a diet high in vitamins and minerals may reduce the likelihood of developing cataracts.
Eating a diet high in vitamins and minerals may reduce the likelihood of developing cataracts.

Surgery on the eyes can be an intimidating and scary prospect, but cataract blindness is also frightening. If a person is diagnosed with cataracts, surgery may not be recommended immediately. Many medical professionals use corrective lenses to improve the vision first, although they may ultimately recommend surgery. People who have cataracts should talk to their healthcare provider about their options, and consider them carefully.

If untreated, cataracts may cause blindness.
If untreated, cataracts may cause blindness.

There are some steps that may reduce the likelihood of developing this form of blindness. Some doctors believe that ultraviolet radiation is harmful to the eye, so people should protect their eyes with sunglasses and visors. Eating a diet high in healthy vitamins and minerals may also help. Ultimately, however, cataracts may form despite an individual's best efforts.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon339035

The mitochondrial genome is not related to cataracts. There is a condition called Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy where the ganglion cells in the retina undergo atrophy, causing the retina to be damaged. Since it is a mitochondrial gene, it is passed from mothers to their offspring. Typical onset is in early adulthood.

anon253218

Once you have gone blind with cataracts, will surgery still work?

keti

The anesthesia that was resorted to during my seemingly very successful cataract operation has left behind a lot of wrinkles on the sides of my eyes. It is a small price to pay for the restoration of my eyesight. However I feel that there is a lot of room for improvement with the help of further research.

renitapinto

what is the involvement of mitochondrial genome in cataract?

anon23874

is mitochondrial genome related to cataract?

anon9738

maxidex warning:

I had eye surgery and in the post-op pack was maxidex (dexamethasone) drops by Alcon Labs. Two days later I was blind. Other complications are optic nerve damage, corneal damage and secondary infection

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    • Many eye doctors believe that wearing sunglasses may help prevent cataracts.
      By: Thorsten
      Many eye doctors believe that wearing sunglasses may help prevent cataracts.
    • Cataract surgery may ultimately be performed to address cataracts.
      By: Peter Orsaeo Sr
      Cataract surgery may ultimately be performed to address cataracts.
    • Eating a diet high in vitamins and minerals may reduce the likelihood of developing cataracts.
      By: chuugo
      Eating a diet high in vitamins and minerals may reduce the likelihood of developing cataracts.
    • If untreated, cataracts may cause blindness.
      By: joshya
      If untreated, cataracts may cause blindness.
    • The cause of cataract blindness is unknown.
      By: JackF
      The cause of cataract blindness is unknown.