C A T A R A C T S
Over the course of the past year or so I had noticed a change in the vision in my right eye. I did not think too much of it until it reached the point that I could no longer drive, and then slowly could no longer see clearly in the eye. Upon visiting my Optamologists this week I learned that I have CATARACTS in both eyes, but the one in the right eye is severe and needs to be repaired as soon as it can. I am adding this section, to inform others not only of the disease, but the symptoms, the surgery, and my personal diary of having mine repaierd. I hope that it will be a benefit to anyone else passing through.
HOW DO THE DEVELOP?Cataracts are commonly caused by the natural aging processes of the eye. In fact, a majority of the population over the age of 60 may be affected by cataracts. The eyes, like the rest of the body, do not go untouched by the hands of time. As the body ages, once-clear lenses can begin to cloud, like eyeglasses fogged with steam. Such clouding may be caused by a cataract -- a common condition in older individuals. Cataracts are painless and usually develop slowly over time. Dr. Richard P. Mills, professor of ophthalmology at the University of Washington and clinic director of the UW Eye Center, explains cataracts develop due to the gradual deterioration of the clear proteins in the crystalline lens of the eye, which causes a change in clarity. In addition to aging, cataracts can be caused by problems such as diabetes, injury to the eye and medications. "It's not true that cataracts are caused by stress of the eyes or a person's metabolism," explains Mills. There are no ways to prevent cataracts from occurring, though avoiding prolonged, direct exposure to sunlight is recommended, says Mills. If you are out in direct sunlight, it is advisable to wear sunglasses that shield ultraviolet light. Common symptoms of cataracts include blurry vision, glare sensitivity, poor night vision, fading of colors and a need to frequently change eyeglass prescriptions. While the early stages of a cataract can be a nuisance, symptoms can often be remedied by altering a person's eyeglass prescription. Mills explains that surgery is not used to treat cataracts until it is necessary. Surgery is the only treatment option for cataracts, and is successful in 95 percent of cases. This surgery, performed on an outpatient basis, involves removing the natural lens and replacing it with a permanent lens implant to restore clarity and focus. This is done by making a small incision in the eye and using an ultrasonic probe, which helps break down the cloudy lens. The back membrane of the lens, also called the posterior capsule, is left in place. Lasers are not used in cataract surgery, as is commonly believed. Mills explains lasers can be used following surgery, if the back membrane of the lens becomes cloudy. At that time, a small hole is made in the membrane to restore normal sight. The need to have cataract surgery varies with each person, depending on his or her lifestyle. "A watch repairman may need to have cataract surgery before someone else would," Mills points out. "Once a cataract affects your lifestyle, such as driving, reading or performing other daily activities, it can be time to have a cataract problem corrected." The success of cataract treatment may vary if pre-existing problems, such as glaucoma or diabetic retinal disease, exist. Research continues to help improve the combination of cataract removal with other types of surgery to correct vision problems, says Mills. Once you notice a change in vision not corrected by your prescription glasses, you should visit an ophthalmologist. "There are other reasons for decreased vision, so it's best to have an ophthalmologist determine the cause of your eye problems and discuss the options available," says Mills.
WHAT ARE CATARACTS? Similar to the way in which the lens of a camera focuses light on the film, the lens of your eye focuses light on the back of your eye, or your retina. Should the camera lens become dirty or fogged, any picture taken by the camera will be hazy or blurred. A cataract is the clouding of the natural lens of the eye. Should the camera lens become dirty or fogged, any picture taken by the camera will be hazy or blurred. Here the retina converts these light images into impulses which are transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve. Thus, if the light images are blurred due to the presence of cataracts, then your vision will also be blurry.
WHAT ABOUT THE SURGERY?
Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed type of eye surgery. In the vast majority of cases, approximately 95% of the time, the surgery is uncomplicated. Cataract surgery usually results in improved vision and a well satisfied patient. However, cataract surgery should never be trivialized. In a small percentage of patients, events occur which can lead to less than ideal results. Most of these events are known risks of the surgery itself and can occur even if the operation is performed well by an experienced surgeon. The occurrence of these events is often unpredictable. Patients should be aware of such possibilities when They decide to proceed with surgery. Kevin's Cataract
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