1.What is cataract?
A: Cataract is a clouding of the transparent crystal in the eye. The initial clouding is slight or small and does not affect the vision, but then it gradually increases until it obviously affects the vision or even blindness.
2.How does cataract occur?
A:The exact cause of cataracts is still unclear and may be related to ageing, genetic factors, excessive exposure to ultraviolet light and certain inflammatory diseases in the eye. It usually occurs in both eyes, but the time can be sequential and the severity varies. In addition, trauma (including lightning) can also lead to cataracts.
3.What kind of people are prone to cataract?
A: Cataracts most often occur in people over 50 years old, but they appear earlier in diabetic patients. Cataracts may also occur in young patients, newborns and infants.
4. Do cataracts occur in old age?
A: Not every old person will develop cataracts during their lifetime, or it can be said that although most old people will develop cataracts, not every one of them will develop to such an extent that it will obviously affect their vision and require surgery.
5. Can cataracts be prevented?
A: There is no definite prevention method. Those who are active outdoors often wear UV protection glasses may have some effect. Pregnant women can reduce the occurrence of congenital cataracts by avoiding diseases or taking medication during the third trimester of pregnancy.
6.What symptoms can cataract patients have?
A: The main symptoms are painless and slowly worsening vision loss, often feeling as if there is a layer of fog in front of the eyes, and sometimes like looking through the fritted glass.
7.How is cataract treated?
A: At present, there are many cataract spotting medications on the market, but their efficacy is unclear. Surgery is the only proven way to effectively treat cataracts, with a success rate close to 100 percent.
8.When is it appropriate to receive cataract surgery?
A: There is a popular saying that cataracts can only be operated when they are fully mature and invisible. This is an outdated view. Generally speaking, when the vision of cataract patients is less than 0.2-0.3 and affects their normal working life, it is time to talk to the ophthalmologist about surgery.
9.Can I have cataract ultrasound surgery without hospitalization?
A: Yes. Because of the small incision and quick recovery, patients can go home to rest after surgery, but some patients in remote areas can be hospitalized for a few days for observation.
10.Will cataract recur after surgery?
A: Some cataract patients may have clouding of the residual capsule months or years after surgery, which is called posterior cataract, and can be treated with YAG laser in the outpatient clinic.