Cataract is an eye condition characterized by cloudy lens and blurry vision. The lens of our eyes play a vital role in our vision. It is where the light pass through. It bends the light rays to form a clear image to the retina. Once the bent light ray enters the retina, it is converted into nerve signals that are sent to the brain. People dealing with cataract have cloudy lens which prevents the retina of their eyes to receive sharp image.
The most common cause of cataract is aging although in some rare cases, it may be present at birth. It may also occur due to trauma, radiation exposure, or after an eye surgery for a different eye condition. The reason why aging is the most common cause of cataract is because as we age, some of the proteins that make most of our lenses clump together and start to cloud some areas of the lens. The clumped proteins grow larger over time clouding more part of the lens and thus, making the vision blurry.
Cataract Treatments And Complications
Eye doctors and optometrists often advise patients to wear prescription glasses or contact lenses at the early onset of the disease. However, if cataract is detected late, the only possible treatment is cataract eye surgery.
Cataract eye surgery has a high percentage of success with most of patients achieving desired results after the surgery. This is if the surgery is done by a qualified eye doctor. During the surgery, the clouded lens will be replaced with an artificial lens called intraocular lens. The artificial lens will replace the work of the cloudy lens.
The cataract surgery approximately takes 10 minutes, but the recovery time is roughly six weeks. The eye implanted with intraocular lens must adjust seeing without the cataract. If only one eye has undergone a cataract surgery, then a recovery time will be needed for both eyes to learn working together again.
Nine out of ten patients have claimed that their cataract surgeries were successful; however, there are rare instances when surgeries led to complications. One of the most common infections that are linked with cataract surgery is Endopthalmitis. It is a serious eye infection that can occur after a cataract surgery and it is usually the result of a bacterial infection. The most common bacteria that results to this serious infection is staphylococcus or “staph” which is usually found on human skin. This eye infection may result to permanent loss of vision or worst, loss of the eye.
Avoid These To Prevent Cataract
Although the exact cause of cataract is unknown, there are ways to slow cataract development. Here are 3 things you should avoid to lessen the chances of getting cataracts.
Cataracts can be prevented and even if you get them, it can be treated. To ensure you are diagnosed as early as possible, always consider getting regular eye exam. Your Ottawa optometrist or eye doctor will be able to help you prevent cataract.
