Cataracts

Cataract is referred to as lens opacity, which affects the amount of vision.

Causes of cataract

* Aging

* Systemic diseases like diabetes

* Long-term Smoking

* Long-term use of some medications such as corticosteroids

* A blow to the eye

* Long exposure to sunlight or x-rays

Common Cataracts Symptoms

* Blurred vision

* Reducing visual acuity at night or in bright light

* Driving disturbances especially at night

* Changes in color vision

*Diplopia (double vision)

Cataract detection method

* Visual acuity test

* Examination of external eye

Note: The ophthalmologist may recommend other tests for further investigation.

The only definitive treatment for cataract is surgery; this is one of the most common surgical procedures in the world; post-operative complications are rare and there is no possibility of post-operative recurrence.

It should be noted that cataract surgery is performed by removing a lumbar lens and replacing an artificial lens; Today, the preferred surgical procedure is an extra-capsular type.

The time of surgery depends on the patient's individual and occupational conditions, but is normally recommended when cataract interfere with the daily activities of the person such as driving, studying, and ect.

Note: In double-sided cataracts, between the two eyes surgery should be at least four to eight weeks apart.

Note: Cataract surgery is not an emergency and does not need to be hospitalized before surgery.

Iranian expert and experienced ophthalmologists of Noor Eye Hospital has been treating cataracts for many years. Caratact surgery is performed in the operating rooms of Tehran-Iran Noor Eye Hospital by using  the most advanced devices and technology.

Temporary treatment of cataracts

Changing the glasses number, using bifocal glasses or magnifying glasses.

* Use antibiotic eye drops one to two days before surgery

* Consult your physician for more instructions about taking your routine medications such as reducer blood pressure medications before surgery

* Do not eat any food 12 hours before surgery

* The presence of a friend or relative on the day of surgery, along with the patient is necessary

Common symptoms after surgery

Note: any of the following symptoms is considered normal after surgery .

* Blurred vision

* Sensitivity to glare and light

* Conjunctiva, tearing, and itching of the eyes

* Feeling a foreign body in the eye

* Halo around the light at night

* Floater mode

* Cataract surgery does not require movement constraints, unless the patient has special conditions, in which the doctor will give the patient the necessary advice.

* Using the anti-inflammatory drops and antibiotics according to your doctor's instruction

* It is best to postpone several weeks after the surgery; because the patient's eye score is changing during this time.

Note: Eye examination is very important in 24 hours after cataract surgery. In this regard, the ophthalmologist and the treatment team provide more information to the patients.

Match the notes below this text with your own status, and mark the cases that are true about you; If your answer to the most questions below are positive, you are likely to have cataract and should be treated as soon as possible. Do not forget that the delay in treating cataract has many consequences and can lead to complete blindness of one or both eyes.

1. Driving is one of my daily routine, but I am bothered by the radiation of the gazing lights and the sun and the headlight of the oncoming cars .

2. Due to lack of enough vision, I cannot do my job in the best way.

3. I cannot do housework due to lack of enough vision.

4. Due to lack of enough vision, I am not able to do my favorite things (such as studying, watching TV, tailoring, recreation and walking).

5. I'm always worried about falling in a bump or a pit.

6. Because of cataract, I cannot be completely independent and I am always dependent on someone else.

7. My current glasses are not able to improve my vision.

8. Reducing my vision has become a source of inconvenience.

Of course, it should be noted that these symptoms may also be present in other eye diseases, so if these symptoms occur, you should refer to an ophthalmologist to a definite diagnosis.

Do not be surprised! It is true that we said cataract is a disease of the elderly, but it can be transmitted through infections in the mother's womb, or even childbirth traumas. From an ophthalmologist's point of view, this issue is in a pseudo-emergency category and should be decided very quickly about this group of the patients.

If the doctor determines, surgery is needed to treat the child's cataract, and if this is not done, there is a risk of eye vibrations or disorientation of the nerve tissue, in which blindness is not unexpected.

As we said, cataract appears due to aging in all individuals, including men or women, for this reason, it is not advisable to recommend a specific method of prevention, only the speed of developing the disease can be reduced to some extent.

The best method for controlling cataract is to use standard sunglasses consistently and regularly, as well as consumption of food containing copper, antioxidant and vitamins, especially C and D types.

Our colleagues in the treatment team at Iran Noor Eye Hospital offer additional guidance to the patients before, during and after surgery, providing them with comprehensive information about the treatment process and care measures.