Cataract: Shocking Myths Vs Facts

The eyes are the most sensitive part of the body. It is an important sensory organ that makes all the difference between a colourful and a black world. About 80% of what we perceive comes through the sense of sight. The human eye can see things and surroundings in bright or dim light, but it cannot see anything in the darkness. Eye care becomes even more essential for enjoying good vision. One must wear darkly tinted sunglasses while going out on a sunny day, as UV rays can harm the eyes. Young children are often advised to maintain a safe distance from the television, as a lack of proper eye care can lead to blurred vision and blindness. There are many eye problems or diseases that one can develop. Some of the eye diseases are:

• Conjunctivitis
• Eye herpes
• CMV retinitis
• Low vision
• Macular degeneration
• Glaucoma

Some of the eye conditions are:

• Allergies
• Bell’s palsy
• Cataract
• Blepharitis
• Colour Blindness
• Eye Twitching

There are several types of eye diseases that a person can suffer from. However, remember that eye diseases cannot be prevented, but they can be treated. Taking care of your eyes reduces the risk of becoming blind or losing vision. One can avoid the odds of developing diseases like Glaucoma and cataracts with proper eye care.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disease which causes damage to the optic nerves. It occurs when intraocular pressure builds up inside the eye. The optic nerves are crucial for transporting images to the brain. If the optic nerve continues to get damaged due to high pressure, it can result in blindness. In such cases, treatment is necessary to reduce the risk of permanent vision loss. In most cases, a person may not find any symptoms of optic nerve damage. But some warning signs require immediate medical assistance:

• Difficulty in seeing near or far objects
• Doubled vision
• Swelling in the lids and colour changes to red
• Change in colour of the iris
• Itchy and burning feeling in the eye
• Teary or watery eyes

The warning signals do not guarantee getting glaucoma. However, suppose a person experiences loss of vision in one eye, flashes of black spots, or daily hazy and blurred vision. In that case, they should consult an eye doctor for a comprehensive eye examination. There are two types of glaucoma:

• Open-angle glaucoma, also known as wide-angle glaucoma, is a very common type. At an open angle, the structure of an eye is normal, but the problem occurs in the fluid as it does not flow properly.
• Angle-closure glaucoma – This type is acute, chronic, or narrow-angle closure glaucoma. In angle closure glaucoma, sudden pressure builds up in the eyes. This type of glaucoma is the least common. The angle between the iris and cornea is narrow, resulting in poor drainage. You can treat your glaucoma using Bimatoprost solution, which contains active minerals, or Careprost, which is considered the best medication for glaucoma treatment.

Therefore, proper eye care is essential, and it is crucial to diagnose and treat any issues before they become a significant problem. A cataract is a common eye problem in people over 65.

Cataract

A cataract is an eye condition characterised by the clouding of the lens of the eye. The light rays travel into the eye through the pupil when we look at objects. A cataract occurs when the lens becomes cloudy, preventing it from focusing light on the retina. When vision becomes blurry, it typically indicates the presence of a cataract in one or both eyes. At first, a person may not be aware of the problem, but gradually, vision becomes an obstruction to day-to-day activities. Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss worldwide. Twenty-two million Americans in the age group of 40 or above are affected by cataracts. According to the National Eye Institute, more than half of Americans who are 80 years old or older become victims of cataracts. Any eye injuries, medicines or diabetes may also cause cataracts. Some common myths persist among people regarding the cause and treatment of cataracts.

• Eye drops can dissolve cataracts – According to the Food and Drug Administration, it is not certain that drops can cure or prevent cataracts. A cataract is a natural problem, and there are no drops that can completely remove it.
• Cataract surgery requires a significant recovery period. Cataract surgery is one of the most common and popular surgeries, with a success rate of about 95%. There is always some risk associated with any surgery; a surgeon can provide you with more information. One can return to normal day-to-day activities after removing the eye patch. Some patients recover within weeks, whereas some take a little longer. The surgery is dangerous and may take months.

• Cataracts do not grow back after surgery. There is the possibility that it may develop in the other eye. Vision gets compromised when the membranes holding the new lens implant become cloudy. It can be treated with laser surgery in just 15 minutes.
• Cataracts are reversible – Many people think that cataracts are reversible. But the fact is that the lens becomes cloudy with age. It is a natural process which cannot be changed. One may develop cataracts as one ages. Its further progress can be stopped by quitting smoking and having a healthy and balanced diet. One can also wear sunglasses to protect against UVA and UVB rays.

Let’s examine some common signs and symptoms of cataracts. Having blurred or dim vision is the most common symptom of a cataract. Some other symptoms include:

• Difficulty in seeing during the night or under low light conditions
• Double vision in one eye
• Faded or yellow colouring in the eye
• Seeing halos around lights

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is essential to consult a doctor immediately. The doctor will give a diagnosis, followed by several tests. The eye is examined using an ophthalmoscope device to detect signs of cataracts. Once diagnosed, the most effective method for treating cataracts is surgery. In cataract surgery, the clouded lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. The surgery would not require hospitalisation as it is done on an outpatient basis. The surgery has a 95% success rate, and patients typically experience relief within weeks. You can control your cataract by using the same medications, cate.

Final words!

The eye is an important part of the body. Having perfect vision becomes essential because a person may need it to look for objects at a distance. Glaucoma and cataract cannot be prevented, but they can be treated. Surgery is often the best option for treating cataracts. Additionally, you can use Careprost eye drops and certain creams to alleviate eye irritation.

If you know anyone suffering from eye-related illness, please share this blog with them. You can also use the comment boxes if you have any health-related queries.