What You Need to Know: Cataracts
Aging and eye injuries are the two most common causes of cataracts. These circumstances change the tissue within the eye lens, causing a cloudy sensation.
The clouding happens because of fibers and proteins within the lens that start to break down. The more these proteins break down, the more vision loss you experience.
Specific health issues and genetic conditions can also contribute to the development of cataracts. For example, the risk of cataracts goes up if you have other eye conditions, diabetes, past eye surgery, or long-term use of steroid medications.
Cataract risk factors include obesity, smoking, aging, previous eye injury, excessive alcohol consumption, excessive sunlight exposure, and high blood pressure.
Some of these risk factors are unavoidable. But you can influence other risk factors by making lifestyle changes to reduce the likelihood of cataract development. For more information, talk to an ophthalmologist for personalized recommendations.
What Causes Cataracts?
Aging and eye injuries are the two most common causes of cataracts. These circumstances change the tissue within the eye lens, causing a cloudy sensation.
The clouding happens because of fibers and proteins within the lens that start to break down. The more these proteins break down, the more vision loss you experience.
Specific health issues and genetic conditions can also contribute to the development of cataracts. For example, the risk of cataracts goes up if you have other eye conditions, diabetes, past eye surgery, or long-term use of steroid medications.
Cataract risk factors include obesity, smoking, aging, previous eye injury, excessive alcohol consumption, excessive sunlight exposure, and high blood pressure.
Some of these risk factors are unavoidable. But you can influence other risk factors by making lifestyle changes to reduce the likelihood of cataract development. For more information, talk to an ophthalmologist for personalized recommendations.
Types of Cataracts
During the diagnostic process, your eye doctor will help identify the specific type of cataract. These types include:
- Congenital Cataracts: Children who are born with cataracts or develop them in the early years of life. These cataracts are genetic or might result from infection during pregnancy.
- Nuclear Cataracts: These cataracts affect the center of the eye lens. As the cataract progresses, it can cause further clouding and yellowing of your vision. Eventually, the lens can turn brown.
- Cortical Cataracts: This type of cataract affects the outer edge of the lens, including the wedge-shaped opacities and whitish areas. The progression results in streaks that extend to the center of the eye and cause interference with light passing through the eye.
- Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts: A small development near the back of the lens is the most common symptom with this type of cataract. The opaque area blocks the path of light and usually causes problems with night vision, eyesight in bright lights, and reading vision.
Diagnosis Process for Cataracts
During your eye examination, the ophthalmologist will ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. Additionally, a thorough eye examination is completed, with tests such as:
- Visual Acuity: The use of an eye chart to see how well you can view a series of letters.
- Slit-Lamp: A microscope is used, allowing the doctor to magnify the front structures of the eye – including the cornea, iris, and lens. Viewing these areas of the eye in small sections makes it easier to detect abnormalities.
- Applanation Tonometry: A test that measures eye pressure. Different types of tools can be used for this test.
- Retinal Exam: The eye doctor dilates the pupils using eye drops. Then, it’s possible to look at the back of the eye to examine the lens for signs of cataracts.
Cataract Surgery - Treatment for Cataracts
In the earliest stages of cataracts, minimally-invasive treatments are used to optimize your vision. For example, the eye doctor might recommend glasses or contact lenses to help you see throughout the day.
Cataracts will progress over time. When your vision loss reaches a point where it interferes with daily activities, you might choose to talk to an ophthalmologist about surgical treatment. It’s essential to consider both the benefits and risks of this type of medical intervention.
Usually, there isn’t a rush to remove cataracts until the vision loss is causing issues. When you decide to delay surgery, the doctor will want to have periodic examinations to monitor the progression of the disease.
Cataract surgery restores vision by removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. This surgery is commonly performed, with many patients receiving long-term benefits after the surgery.
As with any type of surgery, there are always potential risks from cataract surgery. But the high success rates indicate that it is an excellent option to consider when a patient needs to restore their vision.
What to Expect: Recovery After Cataract Surgery
The good news is that most patients have a fast recovery after cataract surgery. In the first few days, you might experience discomfort or soreness – but these symptoms start to subside within a few days.
Even though you are starting to feel better, full recovery usually takes between 4 – 6 weeks. Always follow your doctor’s recommendations to optimize your healing and minimize complications that could affect your recovery.
Recovery recommendations include rest, using prescribed eye drops, avoiding strenuous activities (such as exercise or lifting), and avoiding swimming pools for the first week.
Suppose you have any changes in your eyesight or unexpected symptoms during recovery (such as worsening eyesight, increasing pain, discharge, flashes of light, or no reduction in swelling or redness). In that case, it’s important to contact your surgeon as soon as possible.