Cataract is an eye disease in which a painless cloud-like area forms on the lens of the eye. This lesion is actually the opacity of the patient's lens, which manifests itself as blurred vision. This condition causes disturbances in vision and blurred vision. Cataracts often occur in older people. The image on the left is a healthy eye and the image on the right shows a fully matured cataract.

 

The cause of cataracts

The lens of the eye is a mixture of water and protein. The proteins are arranged in a way that keeps the lens clear and allows light to pass through it. Cataracts are caused by changes in the protein structure of the eye lens and their accumulation in some areas of the lens. This condition causes a cloudy area on the lens of the eye. Although the main cause of cataract formation is not known, but based on the causative factors, cataract disease is divided into several categories, which are given below.

 

Types of cataracts

Age-related cataract:  This type of cataract, which is the most common cause, develops as a result of aging.
Congenital Cataracts:  Sometimes as a result of intrauterine infection, injury or insufficient development before birth, babies are born with cataracts or may develop cataracts in early childhood.
Secondary cataract:  as a result of some diseases such as diabetes, toxins, use of certain drugs such as corticosteroids or diuretics, and ultraviolet rays, cataracts can occur.
Post-traumatic cataract:  This type of cataract occurs after an injury to the eye.
In general, factors such as cigarette smoke, air pollution and high alcohol consumption can also increase the risk of developing cataracts.

 

What are the symptoms of cataracts?

Cataracts usually develop slowly and have few symptoms until vision is significantly blurred. Symptoms of cataracts in advanced stages include:

Foggy vision, blurred and cloudy

Progressive myopia in the elderly

Night vision problems such as glare from lights

Dazzling light during the day

Fading or yellowing of colors (often not noticed by the patient)

Sudden changes in the number of glasses

 

Cataract surgery

The most common cataract surgery method is phacoemulsification. This surgery is performed under local anesthesia of the eye.
In phacoemulsification, by making two incisions in the white of the eye and near the outer edge of the cornea, the surgeon makes a very small hole (about 2-3 mm) to access the lens of the eye. Then a small tool (phacoemulsification device probe) is inserted into the eye. Ultrasonic waves are used to break the opacified lens into very small pieces. These small parts are removed from the eye through the suction of the device. Then the artificial permanent lens is placed inside the eye. These lenses are made of plastic, acrylic or silicone and cannot be felt by a person in any way. No care is required for these lenses and they are placed inside the eye. The incisions created in the phacoemulsification method are so small that there is no need for stitches (sometimes the doctor will make one or two temporary stitches at his discretion).

Femtocataract surgery

In this method, which is actually phacoemulsification, incisions and capsulotomy are performed by femtosecond laser, and the rest of the surgery is performed like phaco.

Surgical results

Most patients regain normal vision after surgery. Some patients no longer need to use glasses or contact lenses. Patients will also gain a better perception of depth and colors.
Unlike other cataract surgery methods, patients can return to their usual activities almost immediately after phacoemulsification. After surgery, patients can resume activities such as driving, reading, or exercising that they had given up due to cataracts.

 

Post-surgery care

After surgery, it is recommended to rest for 24 hours until the patient visits their doctor for follow-up. Some patients have pain and discomfort in their eyes after surgery. Only medicines prescribed by a doctor should be taken for pain relief. Sensitivity to light is also normal for some time after surgery.
Eye drops are prescribed to prevent infection and control intraocular pressure. These drops should be used for one month after surgery.