Our eyes contain a clear crystalline lens behind the pupil. This lens helps
us focus at objects located at different distances from the eye. Due to
various reasons, this lens becomes cloudy which blurs vision. This condition
is called cataract. If left untreated cataract causes progressive decrease
in vision leading to blindness. Cataract is the most common cause of
reversible blindness in the world. Surgical correction of cataract can
reverse the vision loss caused by it.
Causes of Cataract
- The most common reason for development of cataract is old age. Age
related changes affect the lens in the eye leading to cloudiness.
- Many systemic illnesses can lead to development of cataracts, for e.g.
diabetes and certain metabolic diseases.
- Injury to the eye can cause cataract
- Inflammatory conditions of the eye which may present with repeated
redness and pain can eventually lead to formation of cataract
- Medications such as steroids on prolonged use can cause cataract.
- Congenital and developmental cataracts: Cataract may be present at birth
or may develop during childhood. Interference with development of lens
during foetal life or early childhood can lead to opacities in the lens.
Symptoms
- Blurred, cloudy, and decreased vision is the most common symptom of
cataract.
- Details such as expressions on the face of a person sitting in front may
be unclear and blurred.
- Greater difficulty with vision at night especially while reading or
driving
- One may experience glare with bright light or headlights of vehicles
- Seeing colourful rings around a light source.
- Colours seem faded and yellowish
- Double vision
- Frequent change in the power of spectacle lenses
Types of cataract
- Nuclear cataracts: The central region of the lens becomes opaque. This
is most commonly seen in old age. In very early stages of development it
may cause nearsightedness, that is, it may improve near vision
temporarily in some people. The near vision is eventually lost as the
cataract progresses. The cloudiness turns yellow and brownish with time
which makes it difficult for the sufferer to distinguish shades of
colours.
- Cortical cataracts: It occurs as cloudy, white, and wedge-shaped streaks
over the outer edge of the eye lens. The streaks slowly expand and reach
center over time which causes a disturbance in the passage of light
through the center of the lens.
- Posterior subcapsular cataract: This is the type of cataract in which an
opaque layer is formed right in the path of light near the back of the
lens. It causes early and profound visual loss.
Treatment of cataract
Surgical removal of the cataract is the only treatment available at present.
During cataract surgery, the clouded cataract lens is removed and an
intraocular lens is placed in the same place. It becomes a permanent part of
your eye and remains in that position life long. The surgery is performed
under anaesthesia in the form of eye drops or injection . It is usually
carried out as a Day-Care surgery wherein you will be sent home on the day
of surgery itself. In modern day surgery an incision of less than 3mm is
made and the cataract lens is broken down and sucked out of the eye using a
small probe. The intraocular lens is folded and inserted through the
incision which then unfolds inside the eye. Advanced techniques used in
cataract surgeries shorten the time required for healing.
In case of childhood cataracts affecting vision, surgical treatment at the
earliest is recommended to prevent permanent visual impairment.
DRR Eye Care and Oculoplasty Hospital (http://www.drreyehospital.com)
has been making a mark with advanced and sophisticated infrastructure and
facilities. Our esteemed team ensures that patients get the best treatment
and care. We educate patients about the treatment they are offered. Visit
DRR Eye Care and Oculoplasty Hospital in Karayanchavadi, Chennai for best
treatment in the city.
