Cataracts
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Eye
Cataracts
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye which
results in blurred vision and can lead to blindness if left untreated. Although
many factors influence the development of cataracts, they are usually attributed
to the abnormal clustering of proteins in the eye lens. In a healthy state, the
lens proteins are arranged to allow light to pass through unobstructed. As
people age, lens protein formations tend to lose their structure, resulting in
cataract formation.
According to the World Health Organization, age-related
cataracts are responsible for vision loss in almost 18 million people
worldwide. Cataract diagnoses are more becoming more prevalent as populations
grow older, with 60% of Americans between the ages of 65 and 74 suffering from
the condition, and 91% of Americans between the ages of 75 and 85.
Unfortunately, there is no scientifically proven method
to reduce the risk of cataract formation, though many eye care specialists recommend
wearing UV-protecting sunglasses and maintaining a proper diet to
slow down the process.
Eye
Cataract Formation
When a cataract forms, light is unable to pass through
the lens of the eye to the retina. This allows only a small percentage of light
to be transmitted, resulting in blurry, hazy, or double vision. If the cataract
progresses for long enough, it may obscure the lens entirely and cause total
blindness in the affected eye.
Some cataracts only cover a portion of the eye lens and
do not need to be removed immediately. However, if the cataract grows to
obscure a larger section of the eye and significantly impairs vision, surgical
procedures can be performed to remove the cataract. Keep in mind that it is
impossible for cataracts to spread from eye to eye, though it is possible to
develop cataracts in both eyes at the same time.
If you have a cataract forming in your peripheral
vision, it may be difficult to notice. As the cataract grows, it can build up into
the center of your field of vision, making it more obvious and uncomfortable.
While cataracts are forming, you may find that you need
to change your eyeglass prescription more often in order to keep up with the
development of the condition. At a certain point your corrective lenses will no
longer be able to do their job, and surgery becomes the most effective form of
treatment.
Eye
Cataract Treatments
Cataract surgery is only recommended to patients whose
vision and daily life are significantly impacted by cataracts. Before the
decision to undergo surgery is made, it is important to have a thorough eye
examination and seek the advice of a certified eye care specialist. Your
specialist will use tests to determine your visual acuity – if your vision is
20/40 or better, it may be inadvisable to have surgery performed unless you are
convinced that your cataracts have a significant impact on your ability to live
a normal life.
Thanks to modern medical technology, cataracts surgery
can be performed under local anesthesia and completed in an hour or less. The
two most common procedures are extracapsular surgery, during which the lens is
removed from the eye while the posterior capsule remains, and
photoemulsification, which is an extracapsular procedure that softens the lens
is with high-frequency sound waves before removal removed. The posterior
capsule of the eye remains after both procedures.
After surgery, it may be possible to drive home, though
it is recommend you have someone else drive you while you wear a protective eye
patch. Many patients report an immediate increase in vision, while others
report optimal improvements after a few months of healing. Cataracts surgery is
not intended to correct your vision, so if you were wearing prescription
eyeglasses or contact lenses before the surgery, you will still have to wear
them when the procedure is finished.
If you have any questions about cataract symptoms or
treatments, contact your local eye doctor. This is a common condition that many
people develop as they grow older, and your certified specialist has the
knowledge to guide you from start to finish. As always, make sure to schedule
regular eye exams to stay informed of your eye health and to keep your eye
conditions under the supervision and observation of a trained professional.
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