Cataract is the name given to the condition that occurs as a result of the lens of the eye becoming thicker and losing its transparency. The eye lens is located behind the iris, the colored part of the eye, and allows us to see clearly by focusing the light coming from the outside onto the vision point. It is one of the leading causes of blindness in the world and is a treatable disease. Four hundred thousand cataract surgeries are performed annually in Turkey. As the elderly population increases, the number of patients with cataracts will also increase.
What are the symptoms of cataracts?
In the initial stages of cataract, vision is slightly affected, but as it progresses, vision problems increase and can lead to complete vision loss. . Initially, there may be vision through slightly frosted glass, scattering around lights, fading in colors, and a slight decrease in vision. In some types of cataracts, night vision is normal, but difficulty seeing in bright light is the only symptom. Another common symptom is frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions and even improvement in near vision. However, all types of cataracts, if left untreated, result in complete loss of vision.
What are the causes of cataracts?
The eye lens consists of water and protein. As we age, proteins deteriorate, cataracts appear and progress gradually. Although the exact cause of this situation is unknown, scientific research has identified the following risk factors, apart from advancing age:
-
Ultraviolet light from the sun and other sources
-
Diabetes
-
Hypertension
-
Obesity
-
Smoking
-
Cortisone drug use
-
Some cholesterol-lowering drugs
-
Eye injuries and inflammations
-
Hormone treatments
-
Excessive alcohol use
-
High myopia
-
Family history of cataract
Can cataract be prevented?
Some of the theories on cataract formation are that many cataracts are the result of oxidative changes in the lens of the eye. Although the prevention of cataracts is controversial, studies have shown that some foods and food supplements may be beneficial in reducing the risk of cataracts. suggests that it will. Since there is evidence that vitamins I and C will delay the development of cataracts, diets consisting of foods rich in these vitamins are recommended. Another precaution that will reduce the risk of cataracts is to use glasses that block the sun's ultraviolet rays, especially for those who spend a lot of time outdoors. When life expectancy increases, cataract formation cannot be prevented, but a healthy life and a regular and balanced diet can delay cataract formation.
How is cataract surgery performed?
Since there is no treatment for cataract other than surgery, surgery is not required. When it should be done becomes important. Initial cataracts can be managed with or without glasses for a while. Surgery becomes inevitable when cataracts reduce your vision and negatively affect your daily life. Although it is still common in our country among the public or some doctors to think that the cataract should mature and then perform surgery, this approach is not valid today. We can briefly describe the surgery as removing the cataractous eye lens and replacing it with an artificial lens.
Today, cataract surgeries are performed through a small incision using a method called phaco-emulsification. In the phacoemulsification method, ultrasound, that is, high frequency sound energy, is used. After the cataract is dissolved and removed with ultrasound energy, an artificial lens is placed in its place.
How is lens selection made in cataract surgery?
Lens selection in cataract surgery is also made by the patient with the guidance of doctors. Thanks to the artificial lens to be placed during cataract surgery, pre-existing defects in the patient such as myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism are also corrected. When monofocal, that is, single-focus lenses are worn, patients do not use glasses for distance, and patients who wear multifocal, that is, near-far lenses, do not use glasses for near or far.
Can children get cataracts?
Cataract can occur at any age, including newborns. The treatment of cataracts in babies differs from cataracts seen at later ages. When deciding on cataract surgery in babies, whether it is unilateral or bilateral and the level of the cataract are taken into consideration. During cataract surgery, a lens is generally not placed inside the eye. Lens placement can be planned at a later date, depending on the situation.
Read: 0
