What is a cataract & how to treat it?

 CATARACT

What is a cataract?

Cataract

A cataract is a cloudy area that is formed in the lens of the eyes. 

Cataracts are very common as you get older. It generally occurs when proteins in the eye form clumps that prevent the lens from sending clear images to the retina.

Cataract surgery is the most common and one of the safest ways to correct the vision problems caused by cataracts.  

What are the types of Cataracts?

Types of cataract

      1. Nuclear cataracts: 

• They affect the center of the lens. In this condition, first, you may experience more near-sightedness or even a temporary improvement in your reading vision.

But gradually as time passes, the lens gradually turns more densely yellow and it further clouds your vision.

2. Cortical cataracts:

 

• They affect the edges of the lens. It occurs as white wedges or streaks on the outer edge of the lens cortex.

     3. Posterior subcapsular cataracts:

• They affect the back of the lens. It forms the opaque area near the back of the lens. 

You might experience interferes with your reading vision, reduced vision in bright light, and glare or halos around the lights at night.

 

    4. Congenital cataracts: 

• These are developed during childhood during birth. The reason for its cause is associated with genetics or some injury as well. 

What are the symptoms of Cataracts?

Symptoms of Cataract

While cataracts grow, they can cause changes in your vision.

Some noticeable changes caused by them are:

• Cloudy or Blurry Vision 
• Colors look faded
• Increasing difficulty with vision at night
• Seeing "halos" around lights
• Lamps, sunlight, or headlights seem too bright
• Double vision in a single eye
• Sensitivity to light and glare
• Need for brighter light for reading and other activities
• Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription

Are you at Risk for Cataracts?

There is a higher risk of developing cataracts if you have the problems mentioned below.

• Health problems such as diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Obesity
• Previous eye surgery
• Family history of cataracts
• Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications
• Smoking
• Consumption of excessive alcohol
• Excessive exposure to sunlight
• Increasing age

What are the causes of Cataracts?

There are several reasons for developing cataracts:

·        The long-term use of steroids

·        Smoking

·        Ultraviolet radiation

·        Trauma

·        Radiation therapy

·        Diabetes

How Cataract can be prevented?

There are certain steps that you should take to protect your eyes and to delay cataracts:

·        Use sunglasses and a hat to block the sun

·        Quit smoking 

·        Eat Healthily: Adding powerful antioxidants to your diet can improve your eye health.

·        Get a dilated eye exam

·        Reduce the use of alcohol

What are foods rich in antioxidants that are good for eye health?

Health food for good eyes.

Following vitamins and nutrients are listed as follows for good eye health:

1. Vitamin C:

Vitamin C lowers the risk of developing cataracts.

 It is found in:

·        Oranges

·        Grapefruit

·        Strawberries

·        Papaya

·        Green peppers

·        Tomatoes

 2. Lutein & Zeaxanthin:

 Lutein and zeaxanthin lower the risk of developing new cataracts.

Foods including lutein and zeaxanthin are:

·        Broccoli

·        Corn

·        Persimmons

·        Peas

·        Tangerines

3. Vitamin E: 

Vitamin E protects eye cells from unstable molecules called free radicals that break down healthy tissue. 

Food sources of Vitamin E are:

·        Safflower and corn oil

·        Nuts

·        Wheat germ

·        Sweet potatoes

       4. Essential fatty acids: 

 

       It helps in visual development and retinal development. They include:

• Salmon
• Tuna
• Cold-water fish

Diagnosis for Cataract

Checking Cataracts

An eye doctor performs a dilated eye exam that is extremely simple and painless. In this test, a doctor puts some eye drops to widen the pupil and then tests for the cataract. 

What are the treatments for Cataracts?

1. Treatment at Home:

 In the early stage of cataract you can do a few things to manage cataracts:

·Use bright lights at home

·Use magnifying lenses for reading

·Wear anti-glare sunglasses

2. New glasses:

 A new prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses can help you see better with cataracts early on.

3. Surgery:

Your doctor might recommend surgery if you are not able to perform daily activities such as reading, driving, watching TV, etc. 

Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective types of surgery performed. About 9 out of 10 people who get it can see better afterward.

Types of Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery

1. Phacoemulsification:

In this surgery, ultrasound waves are used to break the lens apart and remove the pieces.

2. Extracapsular surgery: 

      In this surgery, the cloudy part of the lens is removed through a long incision in the cornea. Then an artificial intraocular lens is placed in the place of the natural lens. 

If you are not interested in surgery, the doctor might suggest stronger eyeglasses, magnifying lenses, or sunglasses with an anti-glare coating to deal with your symptoms of cataract. 

Outlook

You should consult an eye doctor to talk about various options to deal with the condition of cataract. Your eye doctor will brief you about the benefits and risks of cataract surgery. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q1. What activities should be avoided after cataract surgery?

• You should avoid performing exercise, strenuous activities, driving, and heavy lifting. Your eye needs to heal after surgery so you should give some time for it to do the same. 

Q2. What food is good after cataract surgery?

• You should include foods that are rich in fiber, green leafy vegetables, lean protein in your diet. 

Q3. How long do you need to wear dark glasses after cataract surgery?

• Doctors generally recommend wearing post-cataract surgery sunglasses for about the first month of the recovery stage. 

Q4. How long does a cataract operation take?

• Although it depends on your eye doctor usually the procedure takes about 15-45 minutes of time to finish. 

Q5. How long does it take for blurriness to go away after cataract surgery?

• You would be able to see improvement within 24-48 hours after cataract laser surgery, although it can take up to two weeks for your eyes to fully adjust to the new implants.

Q6. Do cataracts grow back?

• No, cataracts cannot grow back. 

Q7. At what ages do you usually get cataracts?

• In most people, cataracts start developing around age 60.