Cataract as we know is a
clinical condition characterized by gradual painless loss of vision, in which,
in most cases the lens of our eye becomes opaque or cloudy, as a result light
rays cannot pass through easily, and vision is blurred.
It is a usual phenomenon in people of old age,
usually after 50 years. Lens is situated within the capsule. Old cells die and
accumulate within the capsule. For a long period of time, these are associated
with fluid accumulation also damage and denaturation of proteins in lens
fibers.
Why does cataract occur?
1. Old age
2. Any previous
eye injury
3. Any recent
eye surgery
4. Long term use
of steroids, diuretics, tranquilizers
5. Diabetes
mellitus
6. Low blood
calcium level
7. Alcoholism’
8. Family
history
9. Unprotected
prolonged exposure to sunlight
What are the clinical symptoms of cataract?
1. Painless
blurred vision
2. Poor night
vision
3. Double vision
in the affected eye
4. Need for
bright light while reading
5. Color fading
seen
What to do if you
have cataract?
You need not have to worry, as cataract is
surgically treatable. During surgery the cloudy lens is removed which is
replaced with a permanent clear plastic or intraocular lens implant.
1. EXTRACAPSULAR
EXTRACTION
An incision is made in the eye to remove the
lens as a whole. Posterior capsule of lens is kept intact which holds the
intraocular lens implant.
2. PHACOEMULSIFICATION
In this procedure, cataract is broken into
smaller fragments by ultrasonic vibrations. A laser probe helps in damaging the
lens material without damaging the capsule. Lens fragments are aspirated out of
the eye. A foldable intraocular implant is then introduced through the
incision. This on entering the eye unfolds to take the position inside the
capsule. No sutures are needed and the incisions are self-healing.
