Cataract
Gitanjali Hospital – ENT | ENT | EYE | DERMATOLOGY Hospital in Trivandrum
Gitanjali Hospital – ENT | ENT | EYE | DERMATOLOGY Hospital in Trivandrum
Cataract
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens of the eye. For those who have cataracts, it is like looking through a frosty or fogged-up window. Clouded vision caused by cataracts can make it more difficult to read, drive a car at night or see the expression on a person’s face.
Most cataracts develop slowly and don’t disturb eyesight early. But over a period of time, cataracts eventually affect vision.
In the initial stages, stronger lighting and eyeglasses can help deal with cataracts. However, if impaired vision affects usual activities, cataract surgery might be needed. Fortunately, cataract surgery is generally a safe, effective procedure.
Symptoms of cataracts include:
In the initial stages, you may not notice any vision loss. As the cataract progresses, you may start noticing the symptoms.
When to See Doctor
Most cataracts develop when aging or injury brings about changes in the natural lens. Proteins and fibers in the lens begin to break down. This causes vision to become hazy or cloudy.
Cataracts also can be caused by other eye conditions, past eye surgery or medical conditions such as diabetes. Long-term use of steroid medicines also may cause cataracts to develop. Cataracts can develop early if you have a genetic tendency to develop early cataract
Most cataracts develop when aging or injury brings about changes in the natural lens. Proteins and fibers in the lens begin to break down. This causes vision to become hazy or cloudy.
Cataracts also can be caused by other eye conditions, past eye surgery or medical conditions such as diabetes. Long-term use of steroid medicines also may cause cataracts to develop. Cataracts can develop early if you have a genetic tendency to develop early cataract.
A cataract is a cloudy lens. The lens is situated behind the coloured part of your eye, called the iris. The lens focuses light that passes into your eye. This produces clear, sharp images on the back part of the eye, called the retina.
As you age, the lenses in your eyes become less flexible, less clear and thicker. Aging and some medical conditions can cause proteins and fibres within the lenses to break down and clump together. This is what causes the clouding in the lenses.
As the cataract progresses, the clouding becomes worse. A cataract scatters and blocks the light as it passes through the lens. This prevents a sharply defined image from reaching your retina. As a result, your vision becomes blurred.
Cataracts usually occur in both eyes, but not always at the same rate. The cataract in one eye may be worse than the other. This causes a difference in vision between eyes.
These cataracts also may be due to certain conditions. These may include myotonic dystrophy, galactosemia, neurofibromatosis type 2 or rubella. Congenital cataracts don’t always affect vision. If they do, they’re usually removed soon after they’re found.
Cataracts affecting the centre of the lens, called nuclear cataracts. A nuclear cataract may at first cause objects far away to be blurry but objects up close to look clear. A nuclear cataract may even improve your reading vision for a short time. But with time, the lens slowly turns more yellow or brown and makes your vision worse. It may become difficult to tell colours apart.
Cataracts that affect the edges of the lens, called cortical cataracts.A cortical cataract begins as white, wedge-shaped spots or streaks on the outer edge of the lens cortex. As the cataract slowly grows, the streaks spread to the centre and affect light passing through the lens.
Cataracts that affect the back of the lens, called posterior sub capsular cataracts. A posterior sub capsular cataract starts as a small spot that usually forms near the back of the lens, right in the path of light. A posterior sub capsular cataract often affects your reading vision. It also may reduce your vision in bright light and cause glare or halos around lights at night. These types of cataracts tend to grow faster than others.
Cataracts you’re born with, called congenital cataracts. Some people are born with cataracts or develop them during childhood. These cataracts may be passed down from parents. They also may be associated with an infection or trauma while in the womb.
No studies have proved how to prevent or slow the growth of cataracts. But health care professionals think several strategies may be helpful, including:
Factors that increase your risk of cataracts include:
What type of IOL is right for me?
The right lens for you depends on your budget and lifestyle needs. In addition to correcting cataracts, IOLs can also correct nearsightedness, improving your vision beyond where it was before you ever developed cataracts. This allows you reduce your dependence on glasses. The types of lenses include:
Monofocal Lens
These lenses offers an extended range of vision for far , intermediate and near However, as these lenses have rings in their design, one may experience problems during night driving.
Multifocal Lenses
Multifocal lenses correct vision at two/three separate distances, though glasses may be needed for certain situations. For those who wish to reduce their depence on glasses, this is an option. However, there is a possibility of glare and halos which may cause problems during night driving.
Toric Lenses
In individuals who have significant astigmatism, toric lens is an option. Opting for a toric lens will make them less dependent on spectacle for distance vision.
FAQ
How long does it take for a cataract surgery?
It usually takes about 20 minutes for a cataract surgery. As it is a day-care procedure, one can make arrengements to return home a few hours after the surgery.
For how long should one use medication after cataract surgery?
The usual course of medication is for 6 weeks after cataract surgery. However, it may vary for individuals and it is better to follow the advice of the surgeon.
When can I start driving after cataract surgery?
Following phacoemulsification cataract surgery, one can resume driving after 2-3 days after advice from the doctor.