CATARACT OF THE EYE

CATARACT OF THE EYE

·         It is an eyesight problem wherein the lens of the eye becomes cloudy like a frosted glass, thus blocking the light and obstructing vision.

·         It can occur in either or both eyes, though it cannot spread from one eye to the other.

·         Diabetics are at higher risk for cataract, as well as developing the condition at a younger age.

·         It may also develop due to prolonged exposure to sunlight or due to side effects of certain medications.

SYMPTOMS OF CATARACT

·         Blurred vision

·        Colours seem faded

·         Double vision

·         Multiple images in one eye

·         Poor night vision

·         Glare – Headlights, lamps or sunlight appear too bright

·         Seeing halos around lights

·         Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription

TREATMENT

·         Surgery is the only effective treatment of cataract, although symptoms of early cataract may be improved with new suitable eyeglasses.

·         Surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens, called Intraocular Lens (IOL).

·         If you have cataract in both eyes that require surgery, the surgery will be performed on each eye separately, preferably with a gap of 4-8 weeks.

·         There are different types of IOLs –

o   Traditional monofocal

o   Multifocal (simultaneous viewing of both distance and near vision)

o   Accommodating (for both distance and midrange near vision)

o   Light adjusting

o   Toric (designed to correct astigmatism), etc.

·         A cataract procedure is generally very safe but there is always a need to consult the surgeon on possible post-surgical complications.

PROTECTION FROM ULTRA-VIOLET RAYS

·         Use glasses with a high refractive index glass/plastic and an anti-glare coating, so that you can prevent early onset of cataract.

·         Anti-glare coating keeps ultraviolet rays from damaging the cornea and causing dryness of the eyes.

·         Ultraviolet rays can affect the natural crystalline lens which causes cataract, retinal damage and macular degeneration of macula, the yellow spot in the retina – the main seeing area.

·         As the intensity of the sun’s ultraviolet rays in India is much stronger than the West, Indians get cataract at a much earlier age of 55-60 years.

·         Ultraviolet protection glasses come in all forms – as goggles or as prescription lenses that are normal white or photo chromatic, which can be used during the day or at night.

·         Using protective sunglasses is therefore a necessary daily accessory, as their primary function is to block the intensity of the sun’s ultraviolet rays and blue light.