Cataract treatment

What is a cataract

A cataract is the opacity of the lens of the eye. It most frequently occurs in elderly persons, in which case it is referred to as senile or old-age cataract. It is considered that a caract develops as the consequence of a disorder in the metabolism of the lens causing the reduction of its transparency, and with this the loss of visual acuity. It can also occur in younger persons, usually as a genetic factor or consequence of injuries, as a result of using specific medication (corticosteroids), exposure to radiation, etc. Genetic predisposition also plays and important role, it has a tendency to be carried in the female line, and can lead to cataracts at an earlier age in the following generations.

Signs and symptoms

A cataract is usually detected as the ocurrence of cloudy vision. At first this can be insignificant, in order to progress with time and become more and more intensive. It is most frequently described as the appearance of "spots" or a "spiderweb" before the eyes, and seeing several different colours when looking at a lightbulb or other light source, etc. Considering that the gradual development of opacity also changes the refractive power of the lens, persons who wear spectacles for short-sightedness can observe that they see better without glasses than with them. If left untreated, it leads to progressive opacity and vision loss. In an advanced stadium, sight is so poor that the patient can only detect light.

Treatment

The only way to cure the condition is surgery. Eye drops (Quinax, Catalin) can be used in the early stages to possibly slow down the illness, but eye drops cannot cure a cataract. Before, people waited for the cataract to "ripen". With the use of contemporary devices and operative techniques this is no longer necessary. Today, the only indication for a surgery is the moment when opacity of the lens, that is, a cataract, prevents the patient from performing everyday activities. Patients should not wait too long, because as a cataract progresses it can lead to the sudden rise of intraocular pressure, which is followed by extreme redness of the eye, loss of vision and severe headaches. In such cases, surgery must be performed urgently and the postoperative healing lasts longer and is more complicated. Cataract surgery represent a routine procedure, and statistics indicate very few cases with complications. The natural cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. The surgery is performed by making a small incision (about 2.00mm), ultrasound suction of the lens and its replacement. In most cases there is no need for closing up the incision. Once the cataract is removed it cannot reappear. After a specific period of time a so-called secondary cataract can occur in a number of patients. It can also lead to mild cloudiness of vision. It is removed using a laser, during a painless intervention lasting several minutes.

Postoperative process

Cataract operations are performed in day-surgery conditions and the patient is allowed to go home immediately afterwards. The eye is closed with an adhesive bandaid and the patient receives specific eye drops. The first checkup is the following day and later chechups are done as the doctor and patient agree. It takes one month for the incision and eye to heal completely after the surgery. After the operation there are no liminations concerning the performance of everyday activities. It is only necessary to avoid phsysial trauma of the eyes, lifting heavy weight and rubbing the eyes.