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WHAT ARE CATARACTS ?
Cataracts are one of the most common eye conditions affecting millions of people worldwide. Particularly prevalent in older adults, cataracts are responsible for vision impairment that can eventually lead to blindness if left untreated. As the global population ages, the incidence of cataracts continues to rise, making it a significant health concern.
This comprehensive guide delves into the causes, symptoms, prevention, and treatment options available for cataracts, including cataract surgery — a proven method for restoring vision. Understanding cataracts is the first step in preserving your eye health and ensuring long-term visual clarity.
A cataract is a opacification of the crystalline a capsule inside the eyeball responsible to focus the lexternal light coming from outise on the retina and generate the image. .
There are several types of cataracts (nuclear, posterior subcapsular and cortical), but the treatment for all of them is surgical.
In the early stages of cataracts, treatment options such as prescription glasses can be used for vision changes. But the treatment for cataracts is still surgery. It can occur at any age, even if it runs in families, although it usually occurs in old age. When the patient finds that visual acuity has decreased and is unsatisfactory, cataract surgery may be considered and performed.
SYMPTOMS
The main symptom of cataracts is a slow, progressive loss of vision, which usually occurs over months or years and can affect one or both eyes.
Most age-related cataracts develop gradually, so there may be no obvious symptoms at first. As cataracts progress, they may cause more noticeable symptoms, such as
blurred or double vision,
dim or yellow vision with bright colors,
difficulty seeing at night,
sensitivity to light.
CAUSES
Although the most common cause is related to age and changes in the natural appearance of the eye, cataracts can occur after
trauma,
intraocular inflammation or tumors, accidents with certain
medications or toxins,
degenerative eye diseases or systemic diseases among others.
RISK FACTORS AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES
| Risk Factor | Explanation | Preventive Measure |
| Age | Most common cause, risk increases with age, especially after 60. | Regular eye exams, maintain healthy lifestyle, early detection and management. |
| UV Radiation | Long-term exposure to UV rays can accelerate cataract development. | Wear UV-protective sunglasses, avoid excessive sunlight exposure. |
| Smoking | Smoking increases oxidative stress in the lens, accelerating cataract formation. | Quit smoking, adopt a healthy lifestyle. |
| Diabetes | High blood sugar levels can affect the lens and increase cataract risk. | Manage blood sugar levels, regular monitoring, and control of diabetes. |
| Steroid Use | Prolonged use of corticosteroids can contribute to cataracts. | Limit long-term steroid use when possible, consult with a doctor for alternative treatments. |
| Alcohol Consumption | Excessive alcohol intake is associated with a higher risk of cataracts. | Reduce alcohol consumption to moderate levels. |
| Family History (Genetics) | Genetic predisposition may increase the likelihood of developing cataracts. | Stay informed about family history, undergo regular eye exams, especially after age 40. |
| Eye Injury | Trauma to the eye can lead to cataracts, even years later. | Protect eyes with proper safety gear during activities like sports or construction work. |
| Poor Diet | Lack of antioxidants, particularly vitamins C and E, can contribute to cataract formation. | Eat a diet rich in leafy greens, fruits, and antioxidants to promote eye health. |
WHAT IS THE SURGERY PROCEDURE ?
Cataract surgery consists of removing the contents of the crystalline by ultrasound and replacing it with an individual intraocular lens (IOL) in each case.
This procedure is performed in the operating room under local anesthesia. The ophtalmologist makes a small incision and works inside the eye through this small incision, first opening the anterior capsule of the lens and breaking it into small pieces using a device called a phacoemulsifier, which also produces heat, and breaks the lens into small pieces that are digested.. This small piece requires no stitching. The doctor Makes sure the entire lens bag is clean and clear before inserting a lens into the eye. With this intraocular lens, once the power is calculated, we can correct the patient’s vision.
Cataract surgery is usually performed first on one eye and after a few days on the other eye. It is a painless operation, thanks to the anesthesia. This is also a short operation, lasting 10 to 15 minutes, the patient returns home immediately after the procedure and the next day the eye is uncovered and he starts the treatment with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs,which lasts several weeks.
Although the percentage of serious complications derived from cataract surgery is low, if they occur in both eyes after bilateral surgery, they can significantly harm the patient. Therefore, it is advisable to wait a few days (between one and two weeks) between the surgery of one eye and the other.
CATARACTS SURGERY OPTIONS AND RECOVERY GUIDELNESS
| Surgery Option | Description | Advantages | Recovery Time | Postoperative Care Tips |
| Phacoemulsification (Phaco) | Most common method where ultrasound waves are used to break up the cataract, followed by suction removal. | Minimally invasive, small incision, quick recovery, high success rate. | Typically 1-2 weeks for full recovery. | Use prescribed eye drops, avoid rubbing the eye, wear protective sunglasses, avoid strenuous activities. |
| Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (ECCE) | Larger incision made to remove the cloudy lens in one piece, followed by placement of an intraocular lens (IOL). | Suitable for advanced cataracts, effective for dense cataracts. | 4-6 weeks for complete healing. | Follow doctor’s instructions for eye care, avoid heavy lifting, attend follow-up appointments. |
| Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery | Uses laser technology to make precise incisions and soften the cataract for easier removal. | Greater precision, reduced risk of complications, quicker healing compared to traditional methods. | 1-2 weeks for recovery, but depends on the patient. | Wear eye shield while sleeping, avoid swimming or hot tubs, report any unusual pain to your doctor. |
| Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Surgery | Advanced type of laser cataract surgery, providing more accurate lens fragmentation and incision. | Extremely precise, may reduce recovery time, often results in better visual outcomes for complex cases. | 1-2 weeks for recovery, but varies by case. | Keep the eye clean, avoid water entering the eye, monitor for signs of infection or swelling. |
| Monofocal IOL | Standard artificial lens implanted during surgery, provides clear vision at one distance (near or far). | Simple, widely available, reduces need for glasses at one distance. | Same recovery as surgery type, generally 1-2 weeks. | May still need reading glasses, ensure proper eye care to avoid infection. |
| Multifocal IOL | Premium artificial lens that provides clear vision at multiple distances (near, far, and intermediate). | Reduces or eliminates need for glasses, improves overall vision quality. | Recovery time similar to standard IOL. | Regular checkups post-surgery, proper use of prescribed medications to avoid complications. |
| Toric IOL | Special intraocular lens used to correct astigmatism along with cataract removal. | Corrects both cataracts and astigmatism, reduces dependence on corrective lenses. | 1-2 weeks recovery, but may vary slightly. | Use lubricating eye drops, follow up with surgeon to check lens positioning and healing process. |
TYPES OF INTRAOCULAR LENSES
Intraocular lenses can be of different types:
- Monofocal: They provide excellent quality of vision, but have only one focal point, so they are used for patients who do not mind wearing glasses up close. In other words, they are lenses that will only provide good distance vision, and close-up vision will require glasses.
- Multifocal: they have three foci and allow the patient to see well at distance, medium and short distances. By dividing the light into three foci, there may be a slight loss in the quality of vision, although patients hardly notice it. They should be warned about the possibility of night phenomena, such as the presence of halos and glare, and a slight loss of contrast sensitivity. In general, patients who have already had cataracts do not usually notice these small optical changes and are usually very satisfied.
- Extended focus: These have appeared in recent years and allow accurate far and intermediate vision. Glasses will be needed to read small characters up close (40cm). These extended focal length lenses have the advantage of presenting fewer problems at night than trifocal lenses.
AFTER CATARACT SURGERY
The postoperative period after cataract surgery is usually painless and causes little discomfort, which disappears after a few days. Some of the discomforts you may experience are dry eyes, gritty sensation in the eyes, glare, etc.
After the operation you can lead a normal life, take some precautions during the first week: avoid physical exercise and sudden movements, do not rub your eyes, try to sleep on your back or on the side of the eye that is not operated. You should wear sunglasses when going out and observe the hygiene measures, in addition to the treatment and controls indicated by the ophthalmologist.
PROGNOSIS OF CATARACT SURGERY
In general, after a few days you can lead a normal life, avoiding trauma to the eyes and avoiding contact with water or substances that may cause some kind of inflammation or irritation in the eyes.
The prognosis of cataract surgery is good, recovery is fast and the continuous advances in this procedure have made it one of the most effective interventions.
CONCLUSION
Cataracts are a common eye condition, especially among older adults. While they can significantly affect vision, they are highly treatable with modern surgical techniques. Recognizing the symptoms early, seeking professional medical advice, and undergoing cataract surgery when necessary can restore clear vision and improve your quality of life.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of cataracts, don’t hesitate to schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and protecting your eyes from UV rays can go a long way in preserving your vision as you age.
FAQS
Is it possible to correct myopia and cataracts at the same time?
Yes, during cataract surgery in addition to eliminating the cataract, the refractive errors of the eye are corrected: myopia, hyperopia, presbyopia (fatiguing vision) and astigmatism. Thus, after the surgical procedure, the patient recovers the vision lost due to the cataract and can also reduce his or her dependence on glasses.
The intraocular lens used to replace the cloudy lens can correct the patient’s refractive problems, such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism or presbyopia. Depending on the type of intraocular lens chosen, the patient can reduce or even eliminate his or her dependence on glasses.
The Importance of Early Diagnosis
Early detection is key in managing cataracts effectively. Regular eye exams help catch cataracts in their initial stages when vision can still be managed with corrective lenses or other non-surgical treatments. If cataracts are left untreated, they can severely impair your vision, leading to blindness.
