Cataract

Cataract is clouding in the natural lens of the eye which involves gradual yellowing and opacification, causing blurred vision. The lens is a clear part of the eye that helps to focus light, or an image, on the retina. A cataract can occur in either or both eyes. It cannot spread from one eye to the otherIf left untreated, cataract may cause blindness. Age-related cataract is responsible for 48% of world blindness, which represents about 18 million people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO)

Symptoms include:

Visual blur

Color perception changes

Glares/Halo

Poor night vision

There are many causes of cataract:

Age related, eventually everyone will get cataract starting at age 50 years

Long-term exposure to ultraviolet light

Exposure to radiation

Secondary effects of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension

Drug induced- long term use of steroids

Trauma

Congenital (at birth)

Diagnosis

Comprehensive annual eye exams

Monitor for development

Eye doctor can tell what kind of cataract and when is appropriate time for treatment

Treatment

Cataract Surgery

Involves removal of the opaque lens

New synthetic lens (intraocular lens) is inserted in its place

Minor surgery with only small incision made in the eye

Details of procedure, post-operative care, and risks/complications are discussed with ophthalmologist prior to surgery

Procedure of Surgery

1. Anaesthesia and dilation of eyes

2. Entry into the eye through a minimal incision

3. Visoelastic injection to stabilize the anterior chamber and to help maintain the eye pressurization

4. Ultrasonic destruction or emulsification of the cataract Implantation of the artificial IOL

5. Insertion of IOL (usually foldable)

6. Viscoelastic removal

7. Wound sealing / hydration (if needed)