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What is a Cataract?
A cataract is an eye disorder that affects the vision of a person suffering from it. Cataracts are formations of a dense and cloudy layer in the lens of the eyes. This layer obstructs the passage of light through the lens, resulting in unclear and blurred vision in the person affected by it.
The formation of cataracts happens when proteins in the eye accumulate at the lenses, preventing them from sending clear images to the retina (part of the eye that processes the things we see). The retina is responsible for sending signals to the brain through optic nerves to process vision as a response.
Cataracts develop slowly and generally affect people who are elderly. It is very important to treat cataract as it causes considerable visual impairment and can even lead to total blindness if left untreated. Do not worry, as cataract treatment is very easy with the most advanced cataract surgery treatment options. Treatment of cataracts with surgery can successfully return vision to a person.
Types of Cataract
Nuclear cataracts
This type of cataract forms in the center of the lens. It may at first result in more nearsightedness or cause a temporary improvement in your reading vision. But with time, the lens gradually hardens, becomes more densely yellow or brown and further clouds your vision. Advanced stages of eye lens yellowing or browning can make it difficult for you to identify the different shades of colour and require immediate medical attention.
Cortical cataracts
This type of cataract usually affects the edges of the lens. Initially, you may notice whitish, wedge-shaped opacities or streaks on the outer edge of the lens cortex. As it slowly progresses, the streaks begin to extend to the center and interfere with the light passing through the center of the lens.
Posterior subcapsular cataracts
This type of cataract tends to progress faster than the other two types. It starts as a small, opaque area near the back of the lens, right in the path of light. The cataract often interferes with your reading vision, on exposure to bright light it reduces your vision and causes glare or halos around lights at night. Radiation cataracts may develop if a person undergoes radiation treatment for cancer and are often in the form of a posterior subcapsular cataract.
Causes
Aging
Oxidisation around the eyes caused by oxidative stress results in the formation of cataracts on the lenses of the eyes.
Exposure to ultraviolet rays
Ultra-violet rays can cause damage to the eyes and lead to the formation of cataracts on them.
Long-term use of steroids
Steroids can have a long-term effect on the eyes and using them for prolonged periods may cause the formation of cataracts.
Trauma
Trauma to the eyes like the insertion of objects or blunt force can damage the lens and cause cataracts.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy for diseases like cancer may lead to the formation of cataracts.
Diabetes
People with uncontrolled diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cataracts.
Symptoms
Blurry Vision
Cataracts blur your vision- that may appear like looking through a foggy glass.
Night blindness
The inability of the lens to let light pass through to the retina (due to cataracts) makes it very difficult to see properly at night.
Seeing faded colours
The development of cataracts can also be indicated if you are viewing colours around you in a faded manner.
Halos around lights
Viewing halos around lights and looking at lights in a blurry manner is a major indicator of cataracts.
Double vision
An advanced stage of cataracts can also be indicated by a blurry vision that leads to viewing a single object as two(double vision).
Frequent change of glasses (for people with glasses)
If you wear glasses and are required to change the glasses frequently due to changing powers, then it is likely to be caused by a cataract.
Sensitivity to glare
Sensitivity to glare indicates loss of visual acuity to light, a major indicator of the development of cataracts.
Prevention
Regular eye examinations help early detection.
Quit smoking.
Control over health problems.
A diet of plenty of fruits and vegetables.
A diet rich in vitamins and minerals and foods with antioxidant properties.
Wear sunglasses.
Moderate intake of alcohol.
What is a Cataract (कैटरेक्ट/मोतियाबिंद )?
Symptoms Of Cataract
- Blurry Vision
- Night blindness
- Seeing faded colours
- Halos around lights
- Double vision
- Frequent change of glasses (for people with glasses)
- Sensitivity to glare
Cataract Diagnosis
To get treatment for cataracts you will need to visit an eye specialist (opthalmologist). The doctor might perform certain diagnostic tests to determine the severity of cataracts and the damage caused by them. These diagnostic tests may include:
- Visual acuity test: The test checks the power of your eyes and the clarity with which you view objects.
- Retinal exam: This test images the backside of the retina to check for the signs of cataracts.
- Slit-lamp test: The slit lamp inspects the functioning of all parts of the eye
- Tonometry test: This test determines the pressure inside the eyes.
Cataract Treatment
The doctor can suggest the following surgeries for the treatment of cataracts:
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Phacoemulsification -This is one of the most modern methods of cataract surgery. A small incision is done at the edge of the cornea of the eyes. A tiny device is inserted through it that emits high-frequency ultrasound vibration to dissolve the cataract formation. The dissolved parts are suctioned out of the eyes. The procedure is very quick and does not cause any pain to the eyes.
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Micro incision cataract surgery (MICS) -This surgery requires a very high level of precision since an incision of 1.8 mm is done to reduce the invasion of the eyes. The cataract is removed surgically through the incision and minimises recovery time due to the minute nature of the incision.
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Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) -This surgery uses advanced laser-assisted technology to remove cataracts from the eyes. An optical imaging system is used to perform corneal incisions and fragments cataracts on the lenses.
** All content is written and reviewed by medical experts
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Frequently asked questions
Is laser surgery or manual surgery better for cataract treatment?
Laser surgery for cataract treatment can be considered more precise than manual surgery.
Is the surgery performed under anaesthesia?
Yes, the surgeries are performed under local anaesthesia.
Is it safe to undergo cataract surgery with diabetes?
Yes, diabetics can undergo cataract-removal surgery. Consult your doctor and ophthalmologist and mention your condition before getting the surgery.
How long does the surgery take to be completed?
It takes approximately 15-30 minutes to complete a MICS cataract surgery.
What is phacoemulsification?
It is a new eye cataract operation method wherein the internal lens is emulsified with the aid of an ultrasonic handpiece.
What are the chances of recurrence of cataracts after surgery?
There are minimal chances of recurrence of cataracts after cataract surgery.
Is Cataract Surgery Painful?
Cataract surgery is a very precise surgery that involves a painless procedure. Procedures like MICS or Phacoemulsification are painless and take very little time to be completed.
How long does it take to recover from cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is a quick procedure and takes approximately 15-30 minutes to be completed. Recovery time from cataract surgery is usually around 4 to 6 weeks. The minimal vision difficulties right after the surgery usually subside within a few days. It takes 4 to 6 weeks for the eyes to completely stabilize.
What causes cataract formation in the eyes?
Cataracts form in the eyes naturally due to ageing. It usually affects people over the age of 55 and affects a majority of people by the time they reach the age of 75. Natural ageing is the most definitive cause of cataracts.
Is it safe to go swimming after getting cataract surgery?
It is advisable to avoid swimming or prolonged contact of the eyes with water after getting cataract surgery. Swimming should definitely be avoided for at least two weeks after getting cataract surgery. It is best to consult your ophthalmologist to know when it is safe to swim again after the surgery.
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Why a Cataract Surgery?
- Cataract surgery with the injections that are required.
- Advanced surgery techniques like MICS performed by experienced surgeons
- Resume work in 2-3 days after surgery
- Quick recovery of vision after surgery
- No bleeding or minimal bleeding during surgery
- Surgery performed under local anaesthesia
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