Cataracts

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.cataract
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:Cataract
  • 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.
Share This