Our eye is a complex organ that plays a vital role in our ability to see and interpret the world around us. It consists of several different parts, including the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, and retina. The lens is a transparent structure located behind the iris, which sends signals to the brain through the optic nerve.
When the lens becomes cloudy or opaque, leading to vision loss or changes, the condition is known as a Cataract. Cataracts typically develop slowly over time and are more common in older adults, but they can also occur as a result of certain medical conditions or injuries. According to the National Blindness and Visual Impairment Survey, cataract is the cause of 66.2% of blindness cases in India. Additionally, the backlog of blindness due to cataracts is almost 5 million in India.
Seeing the prevalence of cataracts in India, it’s important to learn what is cataract, its risk factors, symptoms, prevention, and treatment to save yourself from permanent blindness. Let’s discuss all these here.
Symptoms of Cataract
Cataract symptoms may include the following:
Blurry or cloudy vision
Difficulty seeing at night
Sensitivity to light or glare
Seeing halos around lights
Double vision in one eye
Need for frequently changing eyeglasses or contact lens prescriptions
Experiencing fading or yellowing of colors
Difficulty reading or seeing small print
Decreased vision overall
Causes of Cataract
Cataracts are caused by the clouding or opacification of the lens, which is a transparent structure located behind the iris that helps focus light onto the retina. There are several different factors that can contribute to the development of cataracts, including:
Age: Cataracts are most commonly associated with aging and are more likely to occur in people over the age of 60.
Genetics: Some people may be more prone to developing cataracts due to their family history.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, can increase the risk of developing cataracts.
Medications: Some medications, such as corticosteroids, can increase the risk of developing cataracts.
Exposure to UV radiation: Prolonged exposure to UV radiation from the sun or other sources can increase the risk of developing cataracts.
Trauma: Trauma to the eye, such as a blow to the head or eye surgery, can also increase the risk of developing cataracts.
Other factors: Other factors that may increase the risk of developing cataracts include smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor nutrition.
Types of Cataracts
There are several types of cataracts, which are classified based on their cause or location within the eye. Some common types of cataracts include:
Age-related cataracts: The most common type of cataracts and are typically associated with aging. They develop slowly over time and can cause vision loss or changes.
Congenital cataracts: These cataracts are present at birth or develop in the first few years of life, caused by genetics, infections during pregnancy, or other factors.
Traumatic cataracts: Cataracts that develop as a result of trauma to the eye, such as a blow to the head or eye surgery.
Secondary cataracts: These cataracts are caused by other medical conditions or medications, such as diabetes or corticosteroids.
Nuclear cataracts: Formed in the nucleus, or center, of the lens, these cataracts can cause vision to become yellow or brown.
Cortical cataracts: These cataracts originate in the outer part, or cortex, of the lens and can cause vision to appear white or frosted.
Posterior subcapsular cataracts: These cataracts form in the back of the lens and can cause vision to appear blurry or distorted. They may also cause sensitivity to light or glare.
Diagnosis of Cataract
Cataracts can be diagnosed with a comprehensive eye examination, which is typically performed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. During the examination, they may ask about your medical history and the symptoms you are experiencing. Your ophthalmologist will also perform a series of tests to assess the health of the eye and determine if a cataract is present. These tests may include:
Visual acuity test: This test measures how well you can see at different distances and is usually done using an eye chart.
Slit-lamp examination: This test uses a special instrument called a slit lamp to examine the front of the eye, including the cornea, iris, and lens.
Dilated eye examination: During this test, your doctor will dilate, or widen, the pupil using eye drops to get a better view of the back of the eye, including the retina and optic nerve.
Refraction test: This test measures how well your eye focuses light and is used to determine your eyeglass or contact lens prescription.
Tonometry: With this test, your eye doctor will measure the pressure inside your eye and check for conditions such as glaucoma.
If a cataract is detected, your ophthalmologist may recommend additional testing or referral to another specialist for treatment. In some cases, they may recommend waiting to see if the cataract progresses and causes significant vision loss before pursuing treatment.
Foods That Help Heal Cataracts
There is no specific diet that has been proven to prevent or treat cataracts, but certain nutrients and compounds may help reduce the risk of developing cataracts. These foods are:
Leafy green vegetables: Leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, and broccoli, are high in antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin, which may help protect the eyes from damage caused by free radicals.
Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons, are rich in vitamin C, which may help reduce the risk of cataracts.
Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds, such as almonds and sunflower seeds, are high in vitamin E, another antioxidant that may help protect the eyes from damage.
Egg yolks: Egg yolks are a good source of lutein and zeaxanthin, which may help reduce the risk of cataracts.
Fish: Fatty fish like salmon and tuna, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may help reduce inflammation and protect the eyes from damage.
Colorful fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables that are high in antioxidants, such as berries, peppers, and sweet potatoes, may help reduce the risk of cataracts.
It's important to note that these foods should be consumed as part of a well-balanced diet, along with other nutrients and compounds that are important for eye health.
Treatments for Cataract
Cataract treatment typically includes surgery, which involves replacing the cloudy natural lens with an artificial one. There are several different types of cataract surgery, including:
Phacoemulsification: This is the most common type of cataract surgery and is typically performed on an outpatient basis. It involves making a small incision in the eye and using ultrasonic waves to break up the cloudy lens into small pieces, which are then suctioned out. An artificial lens is then inserted in its place.
Extracapsular surgery: This involves making a larger incision in the eye and removing the cloudy lens in one piece. An artificial lens is then inserted in its place.
Laser-assisted cataract surgery: This surgery uses a laser to make the incision and assist with breaking up the cloudy lens. It is similar to phacoemulsification, but may be more precise and have a faster recovery time.
In some cases, cataracts may be treated with medications or eyeglasses to improve vision, but these treatments are not typically effective on their own and are usually used in combination with surgery.
Cost of Cataract Surgery
The average cost of cataract surgery at Madhavi Netralaya ranges from around Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 80,000, depending on the type of surgery. This includes the cost of the surgery itself, as well as any pre-and post-operative care. You should consult the doctor for a detailed treatment plan.
Get the Best Cataract Treatment in Bihar at Madhavi Netralaya
Are you or a loved one experiencing vision loss or changes due to cataracts? Madhavi Netralaya is the best place to turn for top-quality cataract treatment in Bihar. Our experienced team of eye care professionals is dedicated to providing the highest level of care and expertise to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.
We offer a range of advanced surgical options to suit individual needs, including laser-assisted cataract surgery in a safe and comfortable environment eliminating every cataract surgery risk. So, don't let cataracts hold you back any longer – trust us to help you regain your clear vision. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your consultation.
Comments