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Get to know
Cataract
WHAT IS CATARACT?
Cataract is a condition in which the lens of the eye, which should be clear and transparent, becomes cloudy or opaque, causing blurred vision.
Blurred vision is caused by degeneration of the eye lens, which is common in the elderly, but can occur at any age for a number of reasons , such as:
Eye injuries, use of certain medications, or causes of certain medical conditions such as diabetes.
Therefore, early detection and treatment of cataracts will allow for easier treatment and a better chance of restoring vision. However,
If left untreated for a long time until the cataract has deteriorated to the point where it cannot be cured, treatment may become more difficult or risky .
Early symptoms of cataracts
- Blurred or blurry vision
- Night vision is more difficult
- Seeing bright lights or ghosting
- Color vision is not as vibrant as before.
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Types of cataracts
- Age-related cataract (senile cataract)
- Traumatic cataract
- Diabetic cataracts, etc.
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Treatable symptoms
- Blurred or blurry vision, especially in bright light or halos.
- Seeing ghosting or reflections that cause problems in doing activities such as driving or doing other activities
- The colors are not as vibrant as before.
- Double vision or seeing multiple images from the same eye
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Symptoms that cannot be treated in time
(When cataracts are very severe)
If cataracts are severe and not treated in a timely manner, complications may occur, such as:
- Complicated cataracts, such as cataracts that cause infection in the eye or injury to other parts of the eye.
- Degeneration of eye tissue that may make surgery impossible or the surgery is too risky.
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CATARACT TREATMENT
There are mainly two types of surgical treatment :
1. Extracapsular Cataract Extraction: The original lens is removed and an artificial lens is inserted in its place.
The disadvantage is that the wound is quite wide and requires a long surgical and recovery time.
2. Phacoemulsification surgery uses instruments to break up the cataract in the lens of the eye.
This method does not require stitches to be removed. You can go home immediately after surgery and can also correct your vision at the same time.
Treat cataracts at the same time
However, cataracts are not a serious disease and can be treated. However, if left untreated for a long time, it can be dangerous because complications can lead to infection, glaucoma , or blindness.
PRIMARY CARE METHODS
- Avoid strong sunlight by wearing sunglasses.
- Sunscreen, regular eye check-ups
- Diabetes control
- Eating foods that are good for eye health
METHODS OF TREATING PATIENS WHO CANNOT UNDERGO TREATMENT
- Use of visual aid technology, such as using mobile phones with text magnification functions, software that helps read text.
- Keep your eyes clean and avoid irritation.
- Optimizing the environment, such as increasing lighting inside the home,
- Using a cane or having an assistant to travel
- Mental health counseling and counseling. Vision loss can have psychological effects, such as stress, anxiety, or depression.
PREPARATION BEFORE CATARACT SURGERY
- Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to put on and take off.
- Wash your hair and face before arriving at the hospital.
- Upon arrival at the hospital, eye drops will be administered, including anesthesia drops, pupil-dilating drops, and antiseptic drops before entering the operating room. The anesthesia can either be applied as eye drops or through a local injection behind the eye. If you are fearful or anxious, general anesthesia is an option.
- The cataract surgery will take about 15 to 30 minutes. It will be performed in a sterile operating room. The patient will be awake during the procedure but will feel relaxed and not experience pain. You may see light or notice movements of light, or feel some pressure on the eye, but it will not feel like being cut with a knife.
- After the cataract surgery, the patient will rest in a recovery room for about 30 minutes before returning home, assuming no general anesthesia was used. You will need to follow the doctor's instructions for medication, but you do not need to open your eyes immediately for eye drops.
POSTOPERATIVE CARE
- Wear protective glasses such as windshields or sunglasses to prevent rubbing your eyes and protect your eyes from any impact or irritation.
- Use an eye shield over the operated eye at night to prevent rubbing during sleep for at least 2 weeks.
- Be cautious not to hit the eye directly or subject it to any strong impacts.
Avoid getting water in the eye for the period specified by your ophthalmologist (at least 2 weeks).
- Prevent infection by using saline solution and cotton pads to clean the eye instead of washing your face.
- Avoid washing your hair yourself. Have someone else wash your hair while lying flat on your back, keeping your eyes closed to prevent water from splashing into your eyes.
- Clean the eyes according to the ophthalmologist's instructions strictly.
- Follow-up eye check-ups with the ophthalmologist are essential, such as 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and annually after the surgery.
- Do not lift heavy objects.
- Be cautious with coughing, sneezing, or straining when constipated to avoid pressure on the eyes.
These instructions are essential for ensuring a smooth recovery and preventing complications after cataract surgery.