Cataracts

The human eye, a highly intricate and delicate organ, plays a crucial role in our everyday experiences. It enables us to connect with our surroundings and perceive the world in the most vivid and colourful way possible. However, like any other part of the human body, it is susceptible to various ailments. One of these is cataracts, a prevalent eye condition that affects millions worldwide.

A cataract is an ocular condition that clouds the lens of the eye, which can lead to a decrease in vision. This happens because the proteins in the eye’s lens start to clump together, distorting the light that hits the retina and leads to impaired vision. Cataracts can affect one or both eyes, and while it is more commonly associated with ageing, it can occur in younger individuals as well. The precise cause of cataracts is not completely understood. However, experts suggest that ageing and injury change the tissue that makes up the eye’s lens. Some inherited genetic disorders that cause other health problems can increase one’s risk of developing cataracts. Other factors include excessive exposure to UV sunlight, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, smoking, and certain types of medications like corticosteroids.

Cataracts typically develop slowly and do not disturb your vision early on. But as time progresses, you might notice several symptoms such as:

• Blurred vision
• Difficulty with light and glare
• Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
• Double vision
• Fading or yellowing of colours
• Difficulty with night vision
• Seeing “halos” around lights

If your cataracts don’t impact your daily life significantly, non-surgical treatments such as new glasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses, or magnifying lenses might help. However, if these remedies are insufficient, you may need surgery, the most common and effective treatment for cataracts. Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded lens and, in most cases, replacing it with a clear, artificial one. The artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens (IOL), becomes a permanent part of your eye. For some people who cannot use an IOL due to certain medical reasons, glasses or contact lenses can be used to correct vision after cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is usually done on an outpatient basis, which means you don’t need to stay in the hospital after the surgery. It’s one of the most common surgeries, and also one of the safest and most effective types of surgery. The operation itself is typically short, and you should be able to go home the same day. You will likely notice improved vision shortly after surgery, but complete healing can take several weeks. That being said, as with any surgery, there are still potential risks involved. Complications are rare but can occur. These may include infection, bleeding, inflammation, swelling, retinal detachment, and secondary cataract. It’s important to promptly report any unusual pain, loss of vision, or flashing lights to your surgeon following the procedure. Regular post-operative check-ups are crucial to monitor the progress of your recovery. You’ll have to use prescribed eyedrops to help healing and prevent infection. Furthermore, it’s essential to avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting for a few weeks.

While it’s not entirely possible to prevent cataracts, there are steps you can take to slow their development:

• Maintain a healthy diet
• Quit smoking
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Protect your eyes from UV light
• Control other health problems (i.e., diabetes)