Cataract

Cataracts can be classified into the following types:

• Age-related cataracts are the most common type and develop due to natural ageing changes in the lens.
• Congenital cataracts are present at birth or develop in early childhood and are often caused by genetic factors or infections during pregnancy.
• Traumatic cataracts occur due to eye injuries.
• Drug-induced cataracts are the result of the long-term use of certain medications, particularly, steroids.

The common symptoms of cataract include:

• Vision blurring occurs gradually as cataracts form slowly over several years.
• Corrective glasses are not sufficient to restore clear vision.
• Vision can deteriorate more quickly in some cases.
• Glare or halos around objects may occur, making vision appear blurred or distorted.
• Objects may appear doubled or blurred, markedly affecting vision and complicating daily activities, such as reading, driving, and recognising faces.

The following factors are known as the common contributors of cataract:

• Ageing causes the lens to become cloudy and hard, in age-related cataracts, the most common types.
• Being over 40 years of age increases the likelihood of developing cataracts.
• Genetic factors or infections during pregnancy can lead to congenital cataracts,
• Eye injury can result in traumatic cataracts.
• Long-term use of certain medications, such as steroids, can cause drug-induced cataracts.
• Having conditions, such as diabetes increases the risk of developing cataracts.

Ophthalmologists diagnose cataracts during routine eye examinations. Tests may include:

• Visual acuity test to measure sharpness of vision.
• Slit-lamp examination to inspect the cornea, iris, and lens for abnormalities.
• Retinal exams involves dilating the pupils with special drops to checking the retina using a slit-lamp or ophthalmoscope.
• Refraction and contrast sensitivity tests effect the cataracts on vision and check the refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism.

The main method for treating cataract is surgery. In this procedure, the affected natural lens that has turned cloudy and opaque, is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens. Surgery is safe, painless, and usually performed as a day-care procedure, so admission, surgery, and discharge all occur on the same day. 

Cataract surgeries are of the following types:

• Refractive surgery is the most common form of cataract surgery. In this operation cloudy lens is replaced with an intraocular lens. The procedure usually takes 20 to 30 minutes and often restores clear vision.
• Laser cataract surgery involves using a femtosecond laser to partially break up the cataract. Current evidence indicates that both conventional and laser cataract surgery are equally safe and effective.
• YAG laser capsulotomy, a simple laser treatment that is usually an outpatient procedure, helps clear this membrane and restore vision.
• In recent years, newer technologies, such as the Alcon Lens Laser (a cutting-edge technology used in ophthalmology for precise and automated cataract surgery), and advanced robotic surgery have also emerged as efficient surgical modalities for cataract removal. These methods offer high accuracy, faster recovery, and improved levels of comfort, and enhanced cataract surgery outcomes.

See a doctor if you:

• Notice persistent blurring or loss of vision that affects daily activities
• Experience glare, halos, or double vision in one eye
• Feel your vision is not improving with glasses
• Have discomfort, soreness, or unusual sensitivity to light after surgery
• Develop a sudden drop in vision after cataract surgery, which may suggest a complication

Cataracts cannot always be prevented, but risk can be reduced by:

• Wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes from UV light
• Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol use
• Managing health conditions such as diabetes
• Having regular eye check-ups, especially after the age of 40

An ophthalmologist is the specialist who diagnoses and treats cataracts, including performing surgery. An optometrist may also detect cataracts during routine vision testing and refer patients for treatment.