What is a Cataract?
Cataract is a condition in which the lens of the eye loses its transparency and becomes blurry. This blurs vision, dulls colors, and increases sensitivity to light. Although cataracts usually develop due to aging, they can also occur due to congenital, traumatic, metabolic diseases (such as diabetes) or long-term cortisone use.
Symptoms of Cataract:
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Sensitivity to light (especially headlights at night)
- Faded or yellowed vision in colors
- Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
- Double vision (when looking with one eye)
Treatment of Cataract:
The only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery. it is not cured by medication or glasses.
Phacoemulsification (Phaco) Surgery:
It is the most commonly used method in modern cataract treatment. It is applied as follows:
- Topical anesthesia (with eye drops) is applied.
- A small 2-3 mm incision is made in the eye.
- The clouded lens is broken up (emulsified) with ultrasonic vibrations.
- The broken lens is aspirated with vacuum.
- An artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is placed in its place.
- Small incision, sutureless and rapid recovery
- The surgery usually takes 10-15 minutes
- You are discharged on the same day
- You can return to your daily life within a few days
- Monofocal lenses: Provides clear distance vision, glasses may be required for near vision.
- Multifocal lenses: Provides both distance and near vision.
- Toric lenses: Astigmatism can be corrected.
- Eye drops (antibiotics and steroids) are used for the first few days.
- The eye should not be rubbed and should be protected from infection.
- Vision usually improves significantly within the first few days.
- Infection
- Increased intraocular pressure
- Posterior capsule opacification (secondary cataract; can be cured with laser)