What is a cataract?
Cataract is a condition in which the lens of the eye loses its transparency, which can cause blindness in advanced cases that cause blurred vision. The Latin word "catarractes" means waterfall. The frothy white opacity formed by the turbulent flow of the waterfall's water has been likened to the sight of a patient with cataracts. Cataract is one of the most important treatable causes of blindness in the world.
What are the types of cataracts?
Cataracts are classified into four different groups:
Cataract in Aged: The most common in the community The symptoms of this type of cataract, which is a type of cataract that occurs with advancing age, increase with advancing age. Generally, approximately 50% of individuals aged 50-60 years, and almost all individuals aged 80 and above, have cataracts, albeit slightly.
Congenital (Congenital) Cataract: In Newborns This type, which is seen in babies, is seen in the form of different pupil colors or strabismus. If congenital cataract affects the baby's vision, it should be operated as soon as possible. Otherwise, amblyopia (lazy eye) develops. Permanent vision loss is almost inevitable in those who do not undergo surgery on time.
Secondary Cataract: Secondary cataract, seen in people who have had previous cataract surgery, is caused by fogging of the lens capsule. It can develop even years after surgery. Capsule fogging can be removed in a few minutes with laser treatment.
Traumatic Cataract: This type of cataract, which is caused by eye trauma, can occur with penetrating sharp objects or blunt eye traumas.
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What are the causes of cataract?
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Aging
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Eye injuries traumas such as glaucoma (eye pressure), uveitis (intraocular inflammation)
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Long-term use of corticosteroids
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Excessive exposure to sunlight exposure
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Metabolic disorders (diabetes)
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Malnutrition
Pathogenesis
The lens of the eye requires a large amount of cytoplasmic protein It consists of specialized cells. These proteins make the lens transparent. Unlike other epithelial cells in our body, the lens cannot remove inanimate cells from its structure; As these cells accumulate, the lens begins to lose its transparency over the years.
What are the symptoms of cataract?
Cataract development is a painless and progressive (progressive) process. Patients often present with bilateral symptoms and complain of night vision problems (glare in car headlights, difficulty reading traffic signs and signs), and difficulty reading small print. Although the case of cataract is generally seen in patients over the age of 60, it is a condition that we can encounter at earlier ages due to some of the factors we mentioned before.
Patients may generally have an increase in their current myopia before the opaque image appears. This situation, which causes a decrease in the distance vision and an increase in the near vision ability of some patients, is called myopic shift. The main reason for this situation is the increase in the refractive ability of the lens, which loses its transparency and thickens over time.
How to diagnose and evaluate cataract?
Lens opacity, type and hardness of the cataract directly It can be verified by an ophthalmologist with an ophthalmoscope or biomicroscopic examination, which is the healthiest one.
When to have surgery?
Blurred vision daily When it starts to affect life, it is the best option to take the decision of surgery. Especially those who drive should not delay the operation. In severely delayed cataracts, an increase in eye pressure and permanent vision loss may also occur. While driving at night in patients with cataracts, oncoming headlights can cause temporary and sudden light distribution and cause accidents. For this reason, if you have been diagnosed with cataract, it will be the right approach to follow the surgery date that your ophthalmologist will determine at the most appropriate time for you.
Things to be considered after the surgery
Do not rub or apply pressure to your operated eye.
Don't lie on the side of your operated eye� Yourself.
The operated eye should not come into contact with water and soap.
Avoid heavy bodily movements.
Do not drive without your doctor's approval.
Never delay your post-operative checkups. (1st Day, 3rd Day, 1st Week, 1st Month)
Use the drops given by your doctor regularly.
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