What is cataract?
Cataract is clouding of normal clear crystalline lens of the eye. It leads to decrease or loss of functional vision .It can be compared to a window that is frosted. The amount and pattern of cloudiness can vary within the lens
What are the causes of cataract?
- Senile cataract – commonest cause. Due to normal aging process of the body.
- Trauma
- Inflammation of the eye
- Medications especially steroids
- Medical problems like diabetes
- Previous eye surgeries
What are the symptoms of cataract?
- A painless blurring of vision
- Glare/light sensitivity
- Double vision in one eye
- Poor night vision
- Fading or yellowish tint
- Decrease in brightness
Who can get affected by cataract?
Cataract can occur in any age group. Most commonly seen in old age. In the younger age group it is mainly due to injury, infections or metabolic disorders.
How fast does a cataract develop?
It can vary with each individual .It can also vary between two eyes .most age related cataract progress gradually over a period of years. It is not possible to predict exactly how fast a cataract will develop in a person.
What is the treatment for cataract?
Cataract can be removed only by surgery.
No medications, dietary supplements or exercise have been shown to prevent or cure cataracts.
When should surgery be done?
Surgery should be done when cataract cause enough vision loss to interfere with your daily activities. It is not true that cataract need to be “ripe” before they need to be removed or they need to be removed just because they are present. Cataract surgery can be performed when your visual needs require it.
What should you expect from cataract surgery?
It is usually performed under topical or local anesthesia. The cloudy lens is removed from the eye and the focusing power is restored by replacing it with a permanent intraocular implant. Cataract surgery is a highly successful procedure. Improved vision result in over 95% cases unless there is a problem with cornea, retina, optic nerve or other structures.
In many people the natural capsule which supports the intraocular lens can get cloudy. If it occurs it can be cleared by an out patient laser procedure, restoring clear vision.
What is the life of intraocular lens? Does it need to be changed after some period of time?
Once an intraocular lens is implanted in the eye it will last life long. It is mostly an inert material that does not usually require exchange or removal any time in future.
Is intraocular implant advisable after cataract removal in children?
Yes, an intraocular lens can be implanted in children too. The power of the IOL implanted has to be preplanned in such a way that child as he reaches adulthood achieves the best possible vision. This entails some under correction, which might require the patient to resort to spectacle correction during the initial few years.
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