Cataract

Cataract

       Cataract is the changing of the clarity vision of the natural lens in the eye which becomes blurred. Most people with the age over 60 experience this kind of disease. This disease is very common at older people. A cataract can be placed at one eye or at both eyes. But you don't have to worry about spreading. This can not happen.

Cataract surgery

       The cataract surgery is done in a hospital or in an ambulatory center.
There are three methods for cataract surgery:

• Phacoemulsification is a form of cataract surgery. For this method it is used a microscope. The doctor will make a small incision in the eye area. Once the cataract is out, the natural lens will be replaced with an artificial one. This method is the most used form of cataract removal. This type of surgery needs minimal sedation and eye drops but there is no need for stitches.
• Extracapsular cataract surgery. This is a method used for very advanced cataracts. This type of cataract surgery method needs a larger incision so that the cataract can be removed at once without being fragmented in the eye. This method is requiring a various number of sutures for closing the wound. The recovery is slower than the one from phacoemulsification.
• Intracapsular cataract surgery. The intracapsular cataract surgery needs an even larger incision, because the doctor will be forced to remove the entire lens. This method requires that the lens are placed in front of the flag (iris). It is a very rare method. Nowadays is rarely used.

Cataract pictures

Cataract surgery procedure

       The cataract surgery procedure starts by placing some eye drops in your eyes for pupil dilatation and anesthetize the area of your eye. The anesthesia is enough for patients to feel just about nothing. The surgeon will insert an instrument through a small incision and after this he will use an ultrasound for breaking your cataract. Your natural lens will be replaced with the artificial lens. The artificial lens will be inserted through the same small incision. During the operation you will be aware of everything what happens, but you will be unable to see the surgery itself.

Cataract surgery recovery

       It is recommended to rest. You should avoid things like: physical exercises, heavy lifting, bending or swimming. You have to close your eyes when you are taking showers or baths. It is important to follow your doctor instructions for your recovery not to suffer any complication. You need to wear eye coverings during the day and night for preventing the infection. You will have to apply eye ointments or drops with antibiotics and corticosteroids. If you follow the doctor's instructions in 6 weeks you will be fully recovered.

Cataract surgery complications

       There are very rare cases in which complications appear, like loss of vision, bleeding, infection and double vision. Infection after the cataract surgery can be very serious. The eye becomes red and painful. You will experience a decrease of vision. The artificial lens may change position. If this happens another surgery is needed. Inflammation of the eye (the eye starts to ache and becomes red) is another complication. A fluid accumulation in the retina which may cause blurred vision is treated with eye drops.

Cataract symptoms

       Cataract causes a variety of symptoms like: blurred vision, photophobia (glare difficulty in bright sun) or car headlights when driving at night, double or distorted vision, inflammation and pressure in the eye, view of halos, blindness. Cataract symptoms may improve by wearing eyeglasses, sunglasses, or some changes in your lifestyle like quitting smoking, eating healthy food, taking some natural medications.

Cataract treatment

       The cataract treatment mostly consists in the surgical procedure. The natural lens of the eye is removed and replaced with a new one (artificial lens). In most surgical procedures intraocular lens is used. The intraocular lens is made from silicone, plastic or acrylic. But there are some exceptions in which some patients can not tolerate the intraocular lens, and then the surgery consists in replacing of the natural lens with regular contact lenses or glasses.

Subcapsular cataract

       The opacity under the posterior capsule of the lens affects disproportionately the vision because the opacity is located in the intersection point of the rays of light from the seen object. These cataracts are particularly annoying in case of bright light

Cataract removal - Cataract operation

       Cataract removal is a procedure through which a clouded lens is removed. The cataract is removed so that the vision improves. The operation consists in the fact that the natural lens is replaced with an artificial one. Cataract removal is usually recommended to patients who can't see good because of this disease. There are two possibilities to remove the cataract: the first is with surgical instruments and aspiration, and the second with an ultrasonic energy for breaking and removing the lens.

Cataract stages - cataract lenses

       As the cataract grows, the patient symptoms are getting worse. The progression of the cataract will make you understand that you need treatment. Intraocular lenses are of two types: monofocal or multifocal intraocular lenses. Multifocal intraocular lenses correct the sight near and at distance.