Cataract FAQ
Q1. What is Cataract?
A cataract is nothing serious but is better known as a cloudy lens which is located behind the iris. People the old age are very familiar with cataracts. In simple words, it happens as you get old. It can be detected and operated on with the help of surgery. Our eyes have the transparent lens that enterprise clouding and cause cataracts. Eye lens enables our eyes to work a help pass the light so that it can focus the retina which is positioned at the back of the eye. Atrocious vision at night, blurry vision, cloudy vision, discomfort in the eye, experiencing halos in the presence of light. As mentioned earlier, cataracts can be treated but with the proper examination where eye specialist in Jabalpur offer prescription, anti-glare sunglasses or specialized eyewear. Visual acuity, refraction, and evaluation of the retina and lens are utilized by the doctor as a diagnostic tool to examine the cataract in the eye of the diagnosed individual. Cataracts can also affect both the eye and can cause depression.
Q.2 What is the cause of developing cataract?
The major cause of the cataract is due to ageing and it usually happened in old age and also sometimes because of injury. At JanJyoti eye hospital in Jabalpur has naturally present protein and fibre another reason for the development of the cataract is the inheritance of genes or genetic disorders. according to the survey, it has been observed that proteins present in the eye are arranged in a way which allows the light and helps us see clearly. Slowly and steadily ageing proteins assemble and clouding on the lens takes place which makes it difficult for the person to see properly who has a cataract. Due to discomfort, They can lead to frustration but they don’t cause any major pain in the eyes. It can take a decade if the symptoms go unnoticed for a longer time so it is very important to look after the changes that involver our senses organs.
Q.3. What happens as a person develops cataract?
According to the national eye institute In the very early stage cataract starts expanding in the eye which causes discomfort and disturbance in the eye. It can cause blurry vision. the patient might find it burdensome to read small letters in the newspapers or magazines or to identify the faces of people. You can also notice the increase in the glass power within a few months. You might not be able to tolerate the glare of the vehicle headlight. Slowly steadily your vision gets blurred and they generally started developing in both the yes but might differ in the rate of progression. It generally happens around the age of 40-50 and over time it gets severe by forming a hard layer of the protein clump which can also lead to complete blindness in some cases but at the maximum pace it can be operated.
Q4. What is the treatment of cataract?
More or less it is not very easy to determine the presence of the cataract at the early stages but if in any case, it happened . it can be diagnosed with medications and eye treatment with the implications of the modern tools for the surgery. This process involves the replacement of the cloudy lens with the artificial clear lens which makes it the permanent part of your eye but in rare cases, some people have prohibited the use of artificial lenses for the rest of their life. Once the surgery is done vision is corrected by incorporating the use of contact lenses and glasses as prescribed by the doctor. There is a certain risk of bleeding and infection in the eye due to surgery but generally, it is known to be safe. Suppose an individual is diagnosed with a cataract in both eyes then doctors perform surgery when the first surgery of the eye is healed. When you are aware of the cataract at early stages home remedies and lifestyle changes can be beneficial.
Q5. My doctor has diagnosed me as having early cataract? How fast does the cataract progress?
The rate of progression differs for individuals but for most individuals, it develops slowly with no interface at the start slowly and steadily you will experience a change in the vision but if not treated properly it can lead to vision loss. Usually, there are four stages of the cataract as they get a cloudy layer on the lens because of the protein that assembles. in 1st stage the lens is clear but the cataract is still developing because of the comprise with the visual focus or at this stage an individual might experience eye strain. During the 2nd stage protein starts assembling together which forms a cloud on the lens which makes it slightly opaque with a concentration on the central part of the eye where you are recommended to use anti-glare lenses or new glasses but the progression takes more than a year to appear and cause discomfort. During 3rd stage, cataracts become mature which mainspring the increment in the opaqueness in the vision of an individual where you are questioned about your lifestyle and its effect on your daily activities. Surgery happens when it majority affects your daily activities. The last stage is where the cataract is hyper-mature and it continues to become dense and hard on the surface and it becomes difficult to be removed even with surgery. With no proper treatment, it can cause glaucoma with increased pressure. If your doctor has diagnosed you with an early cataract you still have time and with the proper treatment and surgery, it becomes better.
Q6. How is cataract surgery performed? Is it painful?
No, cataract surgery is not painful but there is some risk involved such as bleeding or infection. There is a little bit of discomfort while the surgery is performed because the patient is awake during the whole process. Doctors might sedatives to make you feel calm if you are not willing to experience any discomfort. Before the process doctor examine the eye with the help of the tool and if it is not severe you might be given some medication but if the cataract is mature it is very important to get the surgery done to avoid any skepticism or any other health-related issue. Ophthalmologists are responsible for the evaluation and examination of the eye. Before the surgery, you will be given an anesthetic later on they will perform surgery with the application of the laser-assisted system of surgery and then again with the use of laser they make a precise slit or opening to break the old cataract lens and replace them with the new artificial lens which takes only 10 -15 minutes after which you will be taken to the recovery room before you get released before 30 to 60 minutes. You will be given an eye shield to wear for a few days. you can experience redness but with no serious side effects. One of the patients even claims that they experience potential improvement in their vision before even they released it
Q7. What is the advantage of having cataract surgery done? Is it possible to get a glass power after the surgery?
The prime advantage of having cataract surgery is improvement in vision and removal of discomfort which is caused due to the cataract. After surgery, you will gain your original eyesight which will eliminate the use of eyeglasses or any other reading glasses. Most of us believe in avoiding the surgery and using eyeglasses instead but it won’t fix cataracts permanently. It might help to a certain level but cataracts can be eliminated with the help of surgery and the proper treatment it cannot be ignored or taken for granted. Studies have found that most of the people still require the need f wearing glasses for some activities followed by cataract surgery and it completely depends on your vision you might have to wear the glasses but not daily. No matter what type of surgery requires recovery time mentioned by the doctors. The type of lens you choose to wear might vary the need for glasses in future.
Q8. Is the cataract surgery a permanent solution or can I develop cataract again?
No, cataract once removed cannot be developed again because it is replaced by an artificial lens. Once the surgery is done and the cataract is replaced by the artificial lens cataract cannot be developed on its own. The surgery is permanent but in some cases, the an individual can develop after a cataract which is known as (PCO) posterior capsular opacification where the cloudiness matures on the lens capsule but this does not go through another surgery process and can be treated with laser on an OPD basis.
Q9. Is YAG capsulotomy a painful procedure?
No, in this procedure a person doesn’t have to deal with the pain. YAG laser capsulotomy is used for treating PCO – posterior capsule opacification. PCO is a complication caused by the presence of tissue scar or cloudy membrane post-cataract surgery. YAG means neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet which instance of the generation of a laser beam with a type of crystal. One among five can develop the symptoms post cataract surgery within a month, or a year or for some, it can appear in a few weeks. If not treated on time it can worsen but it is curable and this condition is easily treatable. This YAG laser capsulotomy is completely painless, has a quick procedure and also has low risk the good news is it takes a few minutes for a doctor to complete the surgery. Unlike cataracts, if you have PCO in both eyes they can be operated on at the same time.
Q10. Is there a medicine or drop available to clear the cataract ?
No, at present there are no such drops or medicine that are beneficial in reversing the cataract. A cataract is not a disease it develops over time and it is a natural process but for many individuals, it can vary. The only medically demonstrated treatment for cataracts is surgery which helps in the successful removal of the cloudy lens with the replacement of the artificial, man-made or synthetic lens. The clear answer to this is no it is not possible to treat cataracts or reverse their effects with the help of an eye drop or medicine. No, there is no such drop, tablet or any capsule available in the market that helps in preventing the [problem of cataract.
Q11. Can cataract be prevented from occurring by putting some drops or having some tablets or capsules?
Cinneria or drops containing Potassium Iodide is a drop that claims it helps in prevention but the people who took it for prevention see no major changes it may be claiming that people can eventually develop cataracts and also underwent cataract surgery. A cataract is not a substance it is the formation of a cloudy lens which is further removed during the surgery and cannot be dissolved with the help of a few drops so basically there is nothing to be dissolved or reverse when it comes to the prevention of the contract from the eye except for the surgery but steroid or antibiotics is prescribed by the doctor post-surgery.
Q12. Why a few patients who use the drops that claim prevention of cataract do not develop cataract?
No, cataracts cannot be removed with drops or medicine. The only proven method is surgery or the glasses if it is an early stage as prescribed by the doctor. A cataract develops either genetically or happens during old age above 40 when protein assembles to create a cloudy surface on the lens. Drops completely has no effect on any stages that takes place during the development of the cataract. It is common but not everybody develops it.
Q13. Who can have cataract ?
again varies from person to person. A person cannot develop a cataract in a day or night but there are some cases as these are genetics, some can have it since childhood or some are born with it but most commonly it develops during old age which is around 40 – 50 which can be treated with the surgery but when left untreated it can worsen and you might end up losing your eyesight. According to a survey it has been observed that more than half of the people who are diagnosed with the cataract get surgery 80. Mostly it happens in old age because of diabetes and glaucoma. Medication, drugs and lack of vitamins can also lead to the development of cataracts among which consumption of steroids is the talk of the town. Early stages of cataract development can start from 40 and might impair the vision till your 80s.
Q14. Can you predict who will develop cataract before it develops?
no, it’s completely impossible to predict who is going to develop attract. It is either because of genetics, ageing or some other issues. It has symptoms that can be used as a direction to find out the issue with your eyes. This completely varies from person to person and is unpredictable.
Q15. who has more chances of developing cataract ?
People with genetics or family history can develop cataracts but it is most commonly found when a person gets older. Our eyes are made of proteins and water as we age the protein assembles make clumps which develop the cloudy lens. Half of people develop cataracts when they reach the age of 80. Age, diabetes, excessive smoking, exposure to sunlight, high blood pressure, eye injury, obesity or infections are some of the reasons why people can develop a cataract in their eyes.
Q16. Can cataract develop in young age?
When the natural lens becomes cloudy and makes vision difficult cataract form. It is the misconception that elderly person is more prone to the development of cataract but it is also true that it happens when people age or have diabetes and other health-related issues that have a major impact on eyes health as well. Cataracts can occur at any age but this happens rarely. It can affect young people as well because of poor diet, medications, hypertension, high blood pressure, eczema, major consumption of steroids, family history or any other eye trauma or past surgery.
Q17. How frequent should an eye checkup be done in a cataract patient?
Human body is made of different elements and has sense organs which need to be taken care of and requires routine checkup but when an individual undergoes any type of surgery they should opt for the checkup according to the dates prescribed by the doctor. Cataract usually develops after the age of 40 if you experience any of the early symptoms or it becomes difficult for you to see you must go for a checkup every 4 months to keep track of your eye health in every aspect.
Q18. When should be the cataract operated?
A cataract is usually a cloudy lens when spread or expand making it difficult for the patient to see and recognize things. If you find difficulty in your vision and also have a family history you must see your family doctor or an eye specialist. Until it becomes very difficult for you and leads to major discomfort it is prescribed by a doctor that the cataract should be operated on to avoid any further difficulty. Formation of cataracts takes time and if it’s making it difficult for you to perform your daily activities or it is interfering with the other treatments then doctors usually recommend cataract surgery.
Q19. Can cataract be operated at any stage?
Once the examination is done and based on the evaluation you find out that you are diagnosed with a cataract it can be removed at any time or any stage. It doesn’t have to mature to be operated. If you want to remove it you can go for the surgery or else if you are comfortable and it is not causing you any trouble you can postpone or can wait until the doctor’s prescription and recommendation. Yes, this is true that cataract goes through 4 stages and it does take time to mature but they can be removed at any stage whether it is troubling you or not. Based on observation most surgeries are done when it becomes tough for you to manage discomfort due to blurry vision.
Q20. Is it safe to get cataract surgery done in an immature cataract?
Yes, it is unreservedly safe for you to operate a cataract when it is immature and also you can get it operated on at every stage whether the cataract is mature or immature it can be operated on under the guidance of an eye specialist. Unlike in the past, it can be removed with the implementation of modern advances. With the help of the micro-incision phacoemulsification technique, it can be successfully operated and replaced with the artificial lens at any stage of development.
Q21. Most people wait for the cataract to mature. Why?
As mentioned by doctors around the world there is the right time to consider any operation or surgery. This completely varies from person to person some wait till it ripens or gets mature and some opt for the surgery according to their need. Due to blurry vision, yellowed vision or dull glares and light, it might get difficult for the person to manage the daily activities that bring lots of discomfort and they end up getting cataract operated on. In some cases, people wait till it gets mature because there is no harm or loss in delaying the surgery but waiting for too long with the unmanageable discomfort will make it difficult as it hardens over time.
Q22. What is the advantage of an early or immature cataract surgery?
There is nothing advantageous it is the same if you either choose to remove the cataract at the early stage or wait till it matures and troubles you in both cases you will regain your lost vision and your eyesight will be improved. You will not only get better eyesight but IOP will be controlled which will lead to the glaucoma medications. With the early removal, you will not comprise with your vision that interferes with your daily activities.
Q23. Will removal of early cataract restore contrast & brightness of colours?
Not only at the early stage but at any stage, you will regain your vision after a few weeks of surgery. Removal of cataracts is completely safe and it can restore contrast & brightness of colour. people get their vision back and might experience brighter colour as the human lens are brownish and yellowish which is replaced by the artificial but in some cases, people might get uncomfortable because of the brighter colour but is completely safe and fine.