Cataracts are a Common Cause of Vision Loss in the Elderly

A Cataract is a clouding that develops in the crystalline lens of the eye or in its envelope, varying in degree from slight to complete opacity and obstructing the passage of light. Early in the development of age-related cataract the power of the lens may be increased, causing near sightedness, and the gradually yellowing and opacification of the lens may reduce the perception of blue colors.

Cataracts typically progress slowly to cause vision loss and are potentially blinding if untreated. The condition usually affects both eyes, but almost always one eye is affected earlier than the other.

Cataracts are very common in older adults that some almost consider them an inevitable consequence of old age. According to the University of Washington, Department of Ophthalmology (2008) 400,000 new cases of cataract development are diagnosed each year, 1,350,000 cataract extractions are currently performed each year and 5,500,000 people have visual obstruction due to cataracts.

In many countries surgical services are inadequate, and cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness. As populations age, the number of people with cataracts is growing. Cataracts are also an important cause of low vision in both developed and developing countries.

Cataracts develop for a variety of reasons, including long-term exposure to ultraviolet light, exposure to radiation, secondary effects of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and advanced age, or trauma, cigarette smoking and high alcohol intake. Although about half of people between 65 and 75 years of age have cataracts, they are most common in those over age 75 and there are no ethnic or gender variations.

After one has clear vision that is compromised, the most effective treatment for cataracts is surgery. This is the most common operation among older adults and more than 95% of them have better vision after surgery. The benefits of surgery include improved visual acuity, depth perception, and peripheral vision, leading to better outcomes related to ADLs and quality of life. This procedure is safe and done in an outpatient clinic. Complications are rare, but include retinal detachment, infection, and macular edema.

If we can educate patients to control their hypertension as well as their diabetes, also their light and radiation exposure perhaps it may help reduce the number of older patients that will form cataracts.

REFERENCES

Mauk, K.L. (2010) Gerontological Nursing. Competencies for Care (2^nd ed). Sudbury MA: Jones and Bartlet Publishers

HTTP://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataract

NOTE: This blog post reflects the work of a Registered Nurse with minor editing by Shirley Comer RN and was completed as a class assignment. The content of this blog is for informational purposes only. Before beginning or changing a treatment or lifestyle regime you should consult your primary health care provider.