A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye.
The following points will hopefully clear up some of your misconceptions.
1. Cataracts are not a film located on the eye.
2. Cataracts are not caused by excessive eye use.
3.It is not a kind of cancer.
4. It is not contagious.
5. The visual impairment caused by it can be recovered after treatment.
The common symptoms of cataract are.
1, Painless vision loss.
2. Glare, or sensitivity to bright light.
3. The need to change glasses frequently.
4. Double vision in one eye.
5.The ability to read in bright light.
6.Blurred vision.
If the clouding is not in the center of the lens, you may not feel that you have a cataract.
Causes of cataracts
Age-related cataracts are most common, but other causes include
Family history;
Other diseases, such as diabetes;
Eye trauma;
Use of certain medications, such as hormones;
Unprotected, prolonged exposure to sunlight;
Previous eye surgery.
How can I determine if I have a cataract?
It is essential to have a complete examination by your eye doctor as soon as you notice any change in vision. In addition to cataracts, other diseases can also cause vision loss, such as retinal and optic neuropathy. If you have other diseases at the same time, it is less likely that your vision will return after cataract removal than if you have a cataract alone.
How do cataracts develop?
The rate of cataract development varies from person to person, and even from eye to eye. Generally speaking, senile cataracts develop slowly. Other types of cataracts, especially traumatic cataracts and cataracts in diabetic patients, develop more rapidly and may result in severe vision loss within a few months.
Treatment of cataracts
Surgery is the only way to remove cloudy cataracts. If the cataract has not yet affected you significantly, it is sufficient for you to replace your glasses to feel comfortable and no treatment is necessary.
There are no effective medications, physical treatments or optical devices to prevent or treat cataracts, but avoiding excessive sunlight can prevent and slow the onset of cataracts. Sunglasses with UV protection may be helpful.
What is the best time for cataract surgery?
You should consider cataract surgery when cataracts are causing severe vision loss that interferes with your daily life and work; it is not necessary to wait until the cataract is fully mature.
About cataract surgery
Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded lens and implanting a permanent IOL to replace the refractive action of the original lens. The surgeon will use a microscope and other instruments to perform the surgery. Many people believe that lasers can be used to remove cataracts, but this is a misconception. Laser treatment should only be used if the lens capsule becomes cloudy again after cataract surgery (i.e., posterior cataract).
After surgery, you will be able to move freely except for certain strenuous movements. Postoperative eye drops should be used and regular follow-ups should be performed.
If there is no corneal, retinal or optic nerve disease, your postoperative vision will be excellent. It is important to remind you that although cataract surgery is a very successful procedure, there are still complications that can occur during and after surgery that can seriously affect your vision. No surgery can be guaranteed to be 100% successful.
Pre-operative instructions
Patients need to check their general condition before surgery: routine blood, urine, blood sugar, liver function, kidney function, blood pressure, electrocardiogram and eye examination; visual acuity, corneal curvature or corneal topography, corneal endothelial count, ultrasound, intraocular pressure measurement, tear duct flushing, etc. Antimicrobial eye drops must be used to spot eyes before surgery.
Postoperative instructions
1. On the day of surgery, rest more, avoid lowering the head, coughing, dry stool and lifting heavy objects. No need to avoid mouth after surgery, all daily life is normal, but do not smoke.
2. After the operation, review the operation according to the designated date, and use the medication according to the doctor’s prescription.
3. Do not let foreign objects and clean water enter the operated eye for 2 weeks after surgery, and avoid putting pressure on the operated eye (rubbing the eye) and getting trauma.