A cataract is the name of a medical condition where a cloudy, dense area forms in the eye’s lens. The condition occurs when proteins inside the eye do not allow the lens to send clear pictures to the retina. The retina is known to convert light into signals using the lens. The signals are sent to the optic nerve, which later carries the message to the brain.
The condition develops quite slowly and starts interfering with the vision. Some people develop this condition in both eyes, but it may not happen at the same time. A cataract is common among older people. A cataract is common among older people. It’s similar to alexandria genesis in that the eye color changes to purple eyes.
Some of the symptoms associated with this eye condition are discussed below –
• Double vision
• Colours seem faded
• Halos near lights
• Increased glare sensitivity
• Blurry vision
• Frequent changing of prescription glasses
If the condition becomes severe, people will have to get done eye surgery Melbourne. There could be many reasons that may result in cataracts. They include –
• Trauma
• Smoking
• Radiation therapy
• Specific diseases, like diabetes
• Long-term usage of steroids and similar medications
• Ultraviolet radiation
• Overproduction of oxidants
These may be the causes of cataracts, but several risk factors might increase the probability of this condition among people. One needs to keep these risk factors in mind –
• Diabetes
• Excessive sun exposure
• Obesity
• Older age
• Exposure to cancer treatments and X-rays
• Heavy alcohol use
• High blood pressure
• Previous eye injuries
Diagnosing the Condition
If one suspects of having a cataract, the doctor will initially perform a very elaborate eye examination that will assess the vision and check for cataracts. It will include checking the vision using an eye chart test from different distances.
Eye pressure will be measured using tonometry. The common method involves blowing a puff of air for flattening the cornea and testing the eye pressure. Eye drops may be administered for making the pupils bigger. It helps in checking the optic nerve as well as any damage incurred by the retina.
Other tests would include the examination of glare sensitivity and colour perception.
Treatment of the Condition
There may be many people who might not be comfortable with the idea of getting eye surgery in Melbourne. In that case, doctors will help in managing the symptoms. They might suggest magnifying lenses, sunglasses that come with an anti-glare coating, or stronger eyeglasses. However, surgery is the most prominent treatment option when it comes to cataracts.
Surgery – For people who feel that cataract is preventing them from taking part in daily activities like driving or reading, surgery is the most feasible option. Doctors recommend it when the condition starts interfering with other eye problem treatments.
Phacoemulsification is a surgical method that uses ultrasound waves for breaking the lens and removing the pieces. Extracapsular surgery is another technique that removes the cloudy area in the lens by making an incision inside the cornea. After the surgery, an artificial intraocular lens takes the place of the natural lens.
The surgery is known for having a high success rate and is generally quite safe. Most people are allowed to go back home the same day they have undergone surgery.