WHAT IS A CATARACT?
A cataract occurs when the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy.
This lens is crucial for focusing light onto the retina, which is a light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. Therefore, when the lens becomes cloudy, it can make it hard for light to be focused properly, leading to a significant decrease in vision.
Cataract is the primary reason for vision loss around the globe. If left untreated, it can result in complete blindness. Typically, the longer a cataract is present in the eye, the more challenging it is to remove it safely and effectively. Therefore, it’s advised to catch and treat cataracts early to regain clear vision.
WHAT CAUSES CATARACT?
Most cataracts are caused by getting older. As populations are getting older very quickly, the number of people with cataracts is expected to increase soon.
Sometimes, cataracts can form because of an eye injury, eye operations, extreme near sightedness, long-term use of specific medications (like steroids), or conditions like diabetes. Smoking cigarettes, being too much in the sun, extreme heat, and radiation are also known to increase the risk of getting cataracts.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CATARACT?
Cataracts, which can significantly impact vision, come with a range of symptoms including unclear vision, reduced ability to see details, light sensitivity, and the appearance of halos or glare.
These issues can interfere with everyday tasks like reading, operating a vehicle, and recognising people. Additionally, cataracts can heighten the risk of falling and are linked to feelings of sadness in older adults. Despite being easily treatable, cataracts often remain unnoticed.
It’s believed that nearly two-thirds of people with cataracts haven’t been diagnosed and might not even realise they have the condition. A lot of these individuals are likely to have cataracts in both eyes. Cataracts associated with aging typically become noticeable after reaching 50 years old. However, the symptoms might not become clear until several years after the cataract has formed.
HOW IS CATARACT TREATED?
Early signs of cataracts, such as blurred vision, can often be addressed by updating your eyeglass prescription, using a magnifying glass, or enhancing the lighting when doing tasks that require good vision. However, as the cataract worsens, the only sure way to treat it is through cataract surgery. It’s important to think about surgery when the cataract begins to interfere with your everyday activities.
Thanks to advanced technology, cataract surgery today can greatly enhance vision by tailoring the procedure to each person. Now, it’s possible to make very accurate measurements of the eye using sophisticated tools to assess different aspects of the eye before the surgery. A picture of the eye taken before the operation is used to make the artificial lens placement more precise during the procedure.
There are now several types of artificial lenses available for implantation (monofocal, toric, multifocal, multifocal-toric, and extended range of focus lenses) that are used to replace the cataract during surgery. These lenses can effectively correct near sightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism as needed.
Thankfully, cataract surgery is known for its high success rate and reliability, with great results for most people. The chance of complications is very low. It’s highly recommended that a person have an in-depth conversation with their surgeon about the surgery, covering its potential risks, alternatives, and advantages before going ahead with it.
The operation is typically done as a day surgery that can be done without an overnight stay, and most people recover fully within 1-2 weeks following the surgery. During this time, eye drops are usually given to aid in the healing process.
HOW CAN CATARACT BE DETECTED EARLY?
A common early sign of cataract is often spotted during a regular eye check-up. Regular changes in the need for new glasses and not being able to see clearly with glasses are early indications that a cataract might be forming in the eye.
It’s advised for people aged 50 and above to undergo a thorough eye test to catch cataracts related to aging. Anyone experiencing signs that might suggest a cataract should consult an eye doctor right away.
Don’t ignore any loss of vision or think that losing sight is just a normal part of getting older. If you’re 50 years or more, make sure to get your eyes checked for cataracts.