CATARACT CARE AND TREATMENT
Cataracts cloud the natural lens of your eye. The condition is the most common cause of blindness among the worldwide population. If you are suffering from cataracts, you’re not alone. Cataracts affect approximately 22 million people in the United States. Fortunately, there are treatment options for people with cataracts.
The lens in your eye works like a camera lens. It directs light onto the retina and adjusts the focus to give you clear vision. Lenses consist of protein and water. In a healthy eye, light can easily pass through the lens.
As you get older, the protein in your lens can aggregate, forming a cataract. Cataracts block incoming light and make your vision cloudy. They may grow over time, making it more difficult for you to see clearly.
Studies have shown that several factors can increase your risk for developing cataracts, including:
When the cataract is small, you may not experience any symptoms. As it grows, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
Your ophthalmologist can diagnose cataracts during a comprehensive eye exam. During the exam, your ophthalmologist will dilate your pupils using special eye drops. This makes it easier for your doctor to examine your retina.
Next, your ophthalmologist will use an instrument to examine your eye structures. Your doctor will look for cataracts, glaucoma, and signs of other abnormalities. You may also need to read from an eye chart to determine how much your vision is impaired.
You may not need to treat small cataracts right away. Changing your eyeglass prescription may be enough to improve your vision. If you have cataracts, schedule regular appointments with your ophthalmologist to watch for changes.
Cataracts are a normal part of the aging process. It’s not a reversible condition, but cataracts can be surgically removed. When cataracts start affecting your daily life, you may want to consider surgery.
Cataract surgery is a common and effective procedure. Complications are rare and usually treatable. The surgery takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.
During surgery, your ophthalmologist removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a permanent intraocular lens implant. The implant becomes a permanent part of your eye and functions just like a natural lens.
If both your eyes have cataracts, your doctor will only work on one eye at time. You can schedule an appointment to remove the second cataract one to two months after your first surgery.
Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure. Most patients experience little to no pain after surgery. You can usually return to your normal daily activities the following day.
After surgery, you will receive an eye shield and eye drops. It’s important to use the eye drops as directed by your ophthalmologist. Protect your eye by wearing an eye shield while you sleep and sunglasses when you are outdoors. Avoid strenuous activity for at least one week.
You may experience blurred vision during the first few weeks of recovery. Contact your ophthalmologist if you experience any pain or vision loss. Always follow the exact after-care instructions provided by your ophthalmologist.
WHAT CAUSES CATARACTS ?
As you get older, the protein in your lens can aggregate, forming a cataract. Cataracts block incoming light and make your vision cloudy. They may grow over time, making it more difficult for you to see clearly.
Studies have shown that several factors can increase your risk for developing cataracts, including:
- Exposure to UV light from the sun.
- Certain medical conditions, including diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Certain medications, including corticosteroids and statins.
- Eye injuries and inflammation.
- Hormone replacement therapy.
- Excessive alcohol consumption.
- Obesity.
- Smoking.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CATARACTS ?
- Blurred vision.
- Double vision.
- Decreased night vision.
- Sensitivity to glare.
- A "halo" effect around light sources.
- Colors appear to be dull or faded.
HOW ARE CATARACTS DIAGNOSED ?
Next, your ophthalmologist will use an instrument to examine your eye structures. Your doctor will look for cataracts, glaucoma, and signs of other abnormalities. You may also need to read from an eye chart to determine how much your vision is impaired.
HOW ARE CATARACTS TREATED ?
Cataracts are a normal part of the aging process. It’s not a reversible condition, but cataracts can be surgically removed. When cataracts start affecting your daily life, you may want to consider surgery.
Cataract surgery is a common and effective procedure. Complications are rare and usually treatable. The surgery takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.
During surgery, your ophthalmologist removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a permanent intraocular lens implant. The implant becomes a permanent part of your eye and functions just like a natural lens.
If both your eyes have cataracts, your doctor will only work on one eye at time. You can schedule an appointment to remove the second cataract one to two months after your first surgery.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING RECOVERY FROM CATARACT SURGERY ?
After surgery, you will receive an eye shield and eye drops. It’s important to use the eye drops as directed by your ophthalmologist. Protect your eye by wearing an eye shield while you sleep and sunglasses when you are outdoors. Avoid strenuous activity for at least one week.
You may experience blurred vision during the first few weeks of recovery. Contact your ophthalmologist if you experience any pain or vision loss. Always follow the exact after-care instructions provided by your ophthalmologist.