Cataract Treatment
What is Cataract Treatment
The most effective cataract treatment is surgical intervention. During this procedure, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens. Thanks to modern technology, cataract treatment is usually completed quickly, and patients are often discharged on the same day.
Cataract is the most common cause of vision loss worldwide. It occurs when the lens of the eye, which is normally clear and transparent, loses its transparency and becomes cloudy, affecting the quality of vision. The lens is essential for focusing light onto the retina to form clear images. When it becomes cloudy, it disrupts the passage of light and reduces contrast, leading to blurry or foggy vision.
In advanced cases, clouding of the lens can severely impair vision, reducing it to the ability to only perceive light. A mature cataract can even cause the pupil to appear white instead of black.
Causes of Cataract
Age-Related Changes: The most common cause is aging. Over time, the lens loses water content and elasticity, leading to a buildup of proteins that cloud the lens.
Sunlight Exposure: Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays without eye protection can accelerate lens opacity formation.
Trauma: Injuries to the eye, whether blunt or penetrating, can lead to cataract formation by damaging the lens.
Medications: Long-term use of corticosteroids, whether in eye drop form or orally, can cause lens opacity.
Systemic Conditions: Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, thyroid diseases, and metabolic disorders can contribute to cataract development.
Congenital Causes: Some babies are born with cataracts due to infections during pregnancy, genetic disorders, or incomplete lens development.
Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and exposure to air pollution can increase the risk of cataracts.
Types of Cataracts
Age-Related: The most common type, associated with aging.
Congenital: Present at birth due to developmental issues or maternal infections.
Traumatic: Resulting from an injury to the eye.
Secondary: Caused by underlying conditions like diabetes or due to medication use.
Symptoms of Cataract
Blurry, foggy, or cloudy vision.
Frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions.
Fading or yellowing of colors.
Increased sensitivity to glare, especially at night.
Double vision in one eye.
Difficulty seeing at night or in low light.
Diagnosis of Cataract
Cataracts are diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination by an ophthalmologist. The evaluation includes:
Vision tests to assess the severity of vision loss.
Slit-lamp examination to examine the structure of the eye and the extent of lens cloudiness.
Who Should Undergo Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is recommended when:
Vision loss significantly impacts daily activities or quality of life.
The lens becomes excessively hard, posing a risk of complications.
Cataract Treatment
Non-Surgical Options: In the early stages, updating eyeglass prescriptions may help improve vision. However, this is a temporary solution as cataracts are progressive.
Surgical Treatment: The only definitive treatment for cataracts is surgery. clouding of the lens surgery, known as phacoemulsification, involves:
Breaking the cloudy lens into small fragments using ultrasound waves.
Removing the fragments and replacing the lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
Post-Surgery Care
Avoid rubbing or touching the operated eye for the first 24 hours.
Use prescribed eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation.
Protect your eye from dust and bright light.
Avoid strenuous activities and swimming for a few weeks.
Key Benefits of Cataract Surgery
Restored clarity of vision.
Improved quality of life and independence.
Enhanced ability to perform daily activities.
For Cataract Treatment
Cataract surgery in Istanbul
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Phacoemulsification technique
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Causes of cataracts
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