Health care

Understanding Cataracts and How to Treat Them

Cataracts are a commonly occurring deficiency that becomes significantly noticeable in old age, usually once you are past the age of 60. The problem causes a blurred or cloudy vision for affects vision for both distance and close objects.

The problem can be completely corrected with eye surgery to restore vision of the affected person.

Symptoms of Cataracts

Common symptom of cataracts include,

  • Blurred and smoky vision
  • Inability to see distant objects clearly
  • Double vision in one or both eyes
  • Trouble in seeing objects during the day due to glare from the sun
  • Color blindness and colored objects appearing murky
  • Inability to drive at night due to glare from headlights from oncoming traffic

common method of Cataract treatment is surgeryCauses of Cataracts

Cataracts are caused by an accumulation of protein within the lens of your eyes which makes the lens murky. When light passes through the lens it gets bent or blocked which causes the person to lose their vision slightly.

The most common reason of cataract accumulation in the lens is due to old age. The condition may also develop at birth due to injury or poor development in the womb.

The condition can also develop due to related medical problems like diabetes or accidental injury to the head and eyes.

Treatment of Cataract

The most common method of Cataract treatment is surgery where the damaged lens is replaced by an artificial one. Another option is laser cataract treatment and surgery in which a laser is used for making incisions instead of blades.

Cataract Surgery

The procedure to replace the lens is a three stage process and takes from 30 minutes to an hour.

Corneal Incision

In the first stage, the surgeon numbs the eye and makes an incision into the cornea. This is done with the help of a special blade. It gives the surgeon access to the interior of the eye to break up and remove the cataract

Capsulotomy

The lens inside the eye is covered by a thin, clear capsule. The front part of the capsule is removed with the remainder left inside the eye to hold the artificial lens.

Lens Insertion

In the last stage, the surgeon will insert an artificial, new lens into place and create small, self sealing incisions that will heal themselves over time.

The patient is usually able to go home after half an hour.

Post-Surgery Recovery

Recovery takes place during the next few weeks. Patients are provided eye drops to keep the eye soaked and wear glasses to protect it from dust.

Your surgeon will have a talk with you about how soon you can expect to get back to work and resume daily activities.

Laser Cataract Eye Surgery

The laser cataract surgery procedure is similar to the normal surgery. The major difference is that cuts and incisions are made with femtosecond laser systems.

A detailed study comparing laser cataract surgery with standard cataract surgery found that results from both types of procedures were fairly similar. Laser surgery is recommended when you are suffering from additional eye disorders such as astigmatism and refractive errors.