Cataracts are a common eye disease found frequently in the elderly and are also the leading cause of vision loss. Although “cataracts” are a serious condition, they can be treated successfully if patients see a doctor in time before the disease progresses to a severe stage.
How do cataracts develop?
Cataracts occur when the natural lens inside the eye, which is normally clear, becomes cloudy over time due to prolonged exposure to light. The lens changes color to yellow or brown, and cataract spots form in the eye. The main causes of lens deterioration are aging, prolonged exposure to light, and genetics.
Outdoor workers… are at risk of “cataracts”
Most patients visit the doctor with symptoms of blurred vision or light sensitivity, but usually without pain because the cataract acts like a fog or curtain that blocks vision. It is commonly found in patients aged 50 and above, especially those who work outdoors, in agriculture, or use their eyes extensively in bright light. Cataracts often affect both eyes simultaneously.
The lens is the focus point of vision
The lens is made of protein. As we age and are exposed to a lot of sunlight, the protein deteriorates, causing the lens to become cloudy. This results in blurred vision. Normally, the lens focuses incoming light onto the retina, but when it becomes cloudy, it obstructs vision, changes eyesight, and reduces focusing ability. The blurriness gradually worsens, and if left untreated until the cataract matures, it may cause permanent vision loss.
These symptoms… may indicate “cataracts”
Elderly people who experience blurred vision and find that changing glasses does not improve their eyesight, or if images are not clear or vision is excessively blurred, should see a doctor. Normally, vision stabilizes with age, so significant changes may indicate eye disease. If left untreated, the blurriness will worsen, and mature cataracts may lead to complications such as glaucoma or increased eye pressure, causing acute pain. Therefore, if you notice blurred vision resembling cataracts, you should promptly see a doctor for diagnosis and early treatment.
Cataracts can be treated with surgery
For most cases, to cure cataracts and restore lens clarity, doctors recommend surgery to remove the cataract, known as ‘cataract extraction.’ Since the natural lens is removed, an artificial lens is implanted, usually made of plastic, which helps focus light in place of the removed natural lens. Once replaced, the artificial lens does not need to be changed again for life, and patients can regain normal vision afterward.
Preparation before surgery
- The doctor will first examine the cataract condition. If surgery is recommended, the pupil will be dilated for a detailed examination to prepare for the operation.
- Measure the size of the artificial lens to be implanted during surgery.
- After all examinations are complete, a health check including blood tests and X-rays will be done to ensure there are no other medical conditions that could affect the surgery.
- The doctor will explain pain management during surgery, which usually involves local anesthesia around the eye, except for some patients who cannot remain still or cooperate during surgery and may require general anesthesia.
Types of artificial lenses and their uses
Artificial lenses come in various focal lengths. Patients can choose based on their functional needs. Usually, doctors will ask about the patient’s daily activities to recommend the appropriate lens type.
- Single-focus lenses provide clear vision at only one distance, such as clear distance vision but not near, requiring glasses for close work, or clear near vision but not distance. If a different focus is needed, glasses must be used. The advantage is low cost and very high clarity because the lens focuses on only one distance with minimal light scattering.
- Multifocal lenses are for those who dislike wearing glasses and want vision close to their natural eyesight when they were younger. These lenses come in multiple focal lengths, such as bifocal lenses for clear distance and near vision, or trifocal lenses for distance, computer distance, and near reading. The choice depends on the patient’s daily activities. The advantage is reducing the need for glasses by 90%, but glasses are still recommended for driving or reading due to light reflection issues from multiple focal points. Glasses help reduce glare at night, but if driving only during the day, glasses may not be necessary.
- Toric lenses for astigmatism correction are specially designed to correct astigmatism. Ophthalmologists measure and calculate the precise angle for lens placement in each patient’s eye to ensure the most accurate vision correction and restore sharp images.
