CONDITIONS
Cataract
Cataract Surgery: Removing Clouded Eye Lens
What are cataracts?
A cataract is a clouding or opacification of the normally clear lens of the eye, leading to decrease in vision. Cataracts often develop slowly and can affect one or both eyes. Most cataracts are related to age. As individuals age, proteins within the lens begin to break down, and the lens becomes cloudy.
What causes a cataract?
The most common cause of a cataract is aging. Other factors include:
- Diabetes
- A serious eye injury
- Medicines (especially steroids used to treat some health conditions, like arthritis or allergies)
- Radiation treatment for cancer or other diseases
- Previous eye surgery
- Family history
The researchers have also identified factors that accelerate the formation of cataracts, including:
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Prolonged sun exposure, especially without sunglasses
What are the symptoms of a cataract?
Cataracts typically develop gradually. Common signs and symptoms may include:
- Blurred or hazy vision.
- Seeing the double or ghosted image
- Diminished color perception (Seeing bright colors as faded or yellow instead)
- Heightened sensitivity to glare from lights, especially noticeable when driving at night.
- Difficulty seeing clearly in low-light conditions.
- Changes in the eye’s refractive error or eyeglass prescription.
What are the different types of cataracts?
There are five main types of cataracts.
Age-related cataracts: Cataracts can develop due to natural changes in the lens of the eye as you age. This is the most common type. Factors that may increase the likelihood of developing age-related cataracts include:
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- A family history of cataracts
- Diabetes
- Certain eye surgeries like glaucoma surgery
- Use of steroids, medications used in treating conditions like arthritis or allergies.
Traumatic cataracts: Cataract occurs secondary to both blunt or penetrating ocular trauma that disrupts and damages the lens fibers.
Radiation cataracts: Cataracts can develop after exposure to some types of radiation. This includes sun ultraviolet (UV) rays and radiation treatment for cancer.
Pediatric cataracts: Some babies are born with cataracts or develop them in childhood, often in both eyes. These cataracts may be so small that they do not affect vision. When these get large enough to cause vision problems, they need immediate treatment.
Secondary cataracts: After cataract surgery, it is possible to develop scar tissue in the eye, making vision cloudy again. This is called a secondary cataract. Other names for it are after-cataract or posterior capsule opacification.
How is a cataract detected?
Cataract is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam that includes:
- Assessing the patient’s history helps determine if vision challenges are impacting daily activities and if there are any health issues affecting vision.
- Refraction and visual acuity test. This eye chart test measures how well the individual can see at various distances. Each eye is tested individually for the ability to see letters of different sizes.
- Dilated eye exam. Drops are placed in the eyes to widen or dilate the pupils. Ophthalmologist uses a special magnifying lens (ophthalmoscope)to examine the retina and optic nerve for signs of damage and other eye problems. After the exam, it is normal to have blurred vision, especially close-up vision, for up to several hours.
- An instrument measures the pressure inside the eye.
What is the treatment of cataracts?
Cataract treatment is determined by the extent of visual impairment they cause. If a cataract has minimal or no impact on vision, treatment may not be necessary, and patients may be advised to monitor for any changes and maintain regular check-ups.
In some instances, adjusting the eyeglass prescription may offer temporary vision improvement. Additionally, anti-glare coatings on eyeglass lenses can help reduce glare, particularly during night driving. Increasing lighting when reading may also be helpful.
However, when a cataract progresses to the point of impeding daily activities, surgery may be recommended. Cataract surgery involves removing and replacing the affected lens with an artificial one (intraocular lens). This artificial lens requires no maintenance and can significantly enhance vision.
Can cataracts be prevented?
Although there are no definitive methods to prevent cataracts, adopting simple preventive measures can be beneficial:
- Limiting sunlight exposure by wearing sunglasses and a hat with a brim.
- Quitting or reducing smoking.
- Protect eyes from injury.
- Make eye-healthy food choices like fruits, leafy green vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.
In conclusion, cataracts pose a significant challenge to vision, particularly with age-related onset being the most common form. While there are no guaranteed methods to prevent cataracts, adopting lifestyle changes such as wearing UV-blocking lenses, quitting smoking, and maintaining a diet rich in antioxidants may help reduce the risk. Regular eye examinations are crucial for early detection and appropriate management of cataracts. For those whose daily activities are hindered by cataract-related vision impairment, surgical intervention offers a highly effective solution, replacing the clouded lens with an artificial one to restore clear vision.
References
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. Cataract. Available from: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-are-cataracts. Accessed on 11th April 2024
- National Eye Institute Dry Eye. Available from: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts#:~:text=A%20cataract%20is%20a%20cloudy,to%20get%20rid%20of%20cataracts. Accessed on 11th April 2024
- American Optometric Association. Cataract. Available from: https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/cataract?sso=y Accessed on 11th April 24
