A cataract is the clouding of the "lens of the eye." The lens of the eye normally looks clear, which helps concentrate light onto the retina. When cataracts occur, it causes the light to not enter the eye properly, resulting in blurred vision. It is commonly found in the elderly.
Causes of the disease: Cataracts are caused by protein degeneration, a component of the eye lens. This causes the lens of the eye to become cloudy. It is often found in people aged 50 years and over, as the lens of the eye degenerates with age. However, cataracts can also occur in younger age groups, such as in cases of birth defects from mothers infected with rubella during pregnancy.
Other causes of cataracts:
Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
Congenital diseases that promote cataracts, such as diabetes and thyroid dysfunction.
Eye diseases, including previous eye surgeries such as retinal surgery.
Prolonged use of steroids.
Accidents or injuries affecting the eyes.
Radiation exposure on the upper part of the body, such as the head.
Symptoms of cataracts:
Blurred vision without inflammation or pain, as if there is fog in front of you. The level and location of the lens opacity determine the degree of blurred vision.
Blurred vision caused by uneven opacity of the lens, resulting in refraction to the retina that does not form a single point. In some patients, this can lead to increasing myopia and the need for frequent changes in glasses.
Difficulty with bright light, seeing scattered light, especially noticeable while driving at night.
Distorted perception of colors, requiring more light to see properly.
As cataracts progress, patients may notice white patches in their pupils, which are normally black. If left untreated, complications such as glaucoma and inflammation within the eye can occur, causing eye pain, redness, and even vision loss.
Cataract treatment: In the early stages of cataracts, changing corrective eyeglasses may improve vision. Currently, there are no eye drops or oral medications that can cure cataracts. When cataracts become more severe, surgery is the only method of treatment.
Methods of cataract surgery:
Phacoemulsification with Intraocular Lens is the most popular method currently. It involves making a corneal incision of only 3 mm and using ultrasound energy to dissolve the cataract completely. The cataract lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens. The wound from this surgery is very small, and most patients do not require stitches.
Extracapsular Cataract Extraction with Intraocular Lens is a traditional surgical method used in cases where cataracts are mature and very hard. An ophthalmologist makes a 10 mm incision in the upper half of the eye to remove the cataract lens, replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens, and then closes the wound with sutures.
Prevention of cataracts:
Wear sunglasses to block ultraviolet rays.
Maintain a healthy diet, especially foods rich in Vitamins A, E, and C, which help nourish eyesight. However, there is no clear evidence that vitamin supplements reduce the risk of cataracts.
It is advisable to have regular eye health check-ups, especially for those aged 40 years and over.
