What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts occur when the natural lens of your eye becomes cloudy, leading to a decrease in vision. This cloudiness can develop slowly or rapidly but is most commonly associated with aging.
Types of Cataracts:
- Age-related cataracts: Develop as part of the normal aging process.
- Congenital cataracts: Present at birth or in early childhood, often due to genetic factors or infections during pregnancy.
- Secondary cataracts: Result from other medical conditions like diabetes, or from long-term use of certain medications.
- Traumatic cataracts: Following an eye injury.
Symptoms of Cataracts:
- Blurred or dimmed vision
- Difficulty with night vision or seeing in low light
- Sensitivity to glare, especially from headlights or bright sunlight
- Seeing “halos” around lights
- Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription
- Fading or yellowing of colors
Example Image:[Image showing the difference between a normal eye lens and one with a cataract, with a visual representation of how each might affect vision]
Risk Factors:
- Age
- Family history of cataracts
- Long-term exposure to ultraviolet light
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Previous eye injury or inflammation
- Prolonged use of corticosteroid medications
Diagnosis:
We diagnose cataracts through:
- Visual acuity test: Measures how well you see at various distances.
- Slit-lamp examination: Allows us to examine the structures at the front of your eye, including the lens.
- Retinal exam: After dilating your pupils, to check for signs of cataracts and other eye conditions.
Treatment:
Surgery: The primary treatment for cataracts that impair your daily activities.
- Phacoemulsification: Most common method, where the clouded lens is broken up by ultrasound, then removed and replaced with an artificial lens (IOL).
- Extracapsular cataract extraction: For very advanced cataracts, where the lens is removed in one piece through a larger incision.
Pre-Surgery:
- Comprehensive eye exam to plan the surgery and choose the right IOL.
- Discussion about lens options, including monofocal, multifocal, or toric lenses.
Post-Surgery:
- Quick recovery with immediate vision improvement in most cases.
- Use of eye drops to help healing and prevent infection.
- Follow-up visits to ensure proper healing and vision correction.
Prevention and Management:
- Regular eye exams to monitor cataract development.
- Protection from UV rays with sunglasses.
- Healthy lifestyle choices like not smoking, controlling diabetes, and eating a diet rich in antioxidants.
Why Choose Us?
- Expert care with the latest technology in cataract surgery.
- Personalized treatment plans considering your lifestyle and vision needs.
- Commitment to your eye health before, during, and after surgery.