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Cataracts: Causes, Symptoms, Types, and Modern Treatment Techniques for Crystal Clear Vision

By Nethradhama Medical Staff
Reviewed by - Dr. Sri Ganesh, Chairman & Managing Director

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What is Cataract?

Before delving into the world of cataract treatment and its various techniques, let’s first understand what cataract is. A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens in the eye, leading to blurred or impaired vision. Millions of people suffer from cataracts all over the world and timely treatment can ensure your vision restoration and improvement. Any delay in getting yourself treated can lead to permanent blindness.

Fortunately, advancements in medical technology have transformed cataract treatment, offering modern techniques that ensure a swift recovery and a return to crystal-clear vision. In this blog, we will explore these innovative approaches and the quick recovery options available for those seeking cataract treatment.

What causes cataract?

So, what causes cataract? Well, it is a combination of multiple genetic, lifestyle and other factors. In most cases, the proteins in your eye’s lens begin to degrade and clump around the age of 40. A cataract is a hazy spot on your lens caused by this clump. As the cataract worsens over time, your lens becomes hazier. It is a common condition associated with ageing but can also be caused by factors such as diabetes, trauma, or medication use.

Symptoms of Cataract

Cataract symptoms include:

  • Blurred, dim or clouded vision 
  • Vision issues at night.
  • Becoming sensitive to glare and light.
  • Difficulty in reading.
  • Seeing halos around lights
  • Needing regular adjustments to glasses and lens 
  • Yellowing and fading of colors
  • Double vision

A cataract’s first effects on your eyesight may only impact a small portion of the lens in your eye. It’s possible that may not notice any loss of vision. A bigger cataract will cloud a larger portion of your lens. Increased clouding modifies the light that enters the lens. You can notice more symptoms as a result of this.

Types of Cataract

  • Congenital cataracts are the kind of cataracts that occur at birth. Some people either have cataracts from birth or acquire them as children. They might also be connected to an injury or infection sustained in the womb.

     

  • Nuclear cataracts are cataracts that affect the core of the lens. Initially, far objects may appear blurred while up close objects appear clear due to a nuclear cataract. A nuclear cataract may even help with reading vision for a brief while. However, the lens gradually becomes increasingly brown or yellow over time, impairing your eyesight. It could get harder to distinguish between colours.
  • Cortical cataracts are cataracts that damage the margins of the lens. White, wedge-shaped patches or streaks on the lens cortex’s outer edge are the first signs of a cortical cataract. The streaks move towards the centre of the cataract as it progressively expands, affecting light that enters the lens.

     

  •  Posterior subcapsular are cataracts affecting the back of the lens. A posterior subcapsular cataract begins as a tiny spot that typically appears in the path of light, close to the rear of the lens. It is common for a posterior subcapsular cataract to impair reading vision. Also, it could make it harder for you to see in bright light and result in glare or halos around nighttime lights. Compared to other cataract forms, these ones often grow more quickly.

Types of cataract surgery

Some of the most common types of cataract surgery include: 

Phacoemulsification:
Phacoemulsification is the most common and advanced technique for cataract removal. In this procedure, a small incision is made, and an ultrasonic device breaks the cloudy lens into small fragments, which are then suctioned out. This method ensures minimal disruption to the surrounding eye structures and promotes a quicker recovery.

Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery:
Laser technology has revolutionized cataract surgery. Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery allows for precise incisions, accurate capsulotomy (opening in the lens capsule), and efficient fragmentation of the cataract. This technique enhances surgical precision and can result in quicker recovery times.

Intraocular Lens (IOL) Options:
Modern cataract surgery not only removes the cloudy lens but also replaces it with an intraocular lens. Patients can choose from various IOL options, including multifocal and toric lenses. Multifocal lenses enable clear vision at different distances, reducing the need for glasses, while toric lenses correct astigmatism.

Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery:
Micro-incision cataract surgery involves smaller incisions compared to traditional methods. The use of smaller incisions reduces trauma to the eye, lowers the risk of infection, and promotes a faster healing process.

Advantages of Modern-Day Cataract Surgery

Outpatient Surgery:
Most cataract surgeries are performed outpatient, allowing patients to return home on the same day. This eliminates the need for an extended hospital stay, contributing to a quicker recovery.

Rapid Healing Incisions:
The small incisions made during modern cataract surgery require fewer stitches or none at all. This promotes faster healing, reducing the risk of infection and discomfort.

Immediate Visual Improvement:
Patients often experience improved vision almost immediately after cataract surgery. While complete recovery may take a few days to weeks, the initial visual enhancement is a positive indicator of the success of the procedure.

Gradual Resumption of Activities:
With the quick recovery options available, patients can gradually resume their normal activities, including driving and reading, shortly after surgery. However, it’s crucial to follow the post-operative care guidelines provided by the eye care professional.

Cataract treatment has evolved significantly, offering modern techniques that prioritize patient comfort and quick recovery. Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospital specializes in providing holistic cataract treatment to patients from all across the world. A pioneer in the field of ophthalmology, Nethradhama takes care of all your vision needs. Through procedures like phacoemulsification, laser-assisted surgery, or micro-incision procedures, we provide our patients with advanced options that enhance surgical precision and result in clearer vision.

If you or a loved one is considering cataract treatment, consulting with experienced eye care professionals, such as those at Nethradhama, can provide personalized insights into the best approach for your unique needs. Embrace the possibilities of modern cataract treatment for a future of crystal-clear vision and an improved quality of life.

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