CATARACT

 Condition:  Cataract

 

 

This is a naturally occurring condition which happens as one ages.  In this condition, the lens, located behind the iris and pupil, becomes opacified or appears cloudy due to the dead cells gathering in the lens.

This common condition results in vision loss for patients over 40 years of age.   World-wide, cataracts is one of the leading causes of vision loss.  Others include Macular Degeneration, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.  Statistics show that approximately 244,000 cataract operations were performed in Canada in 2001 (National Coalition for Vision Health, 2005).

 

Other Causes

Other causes of cataract which may result in an earlier age may be due to prolonged and excessive ultraviolet light exposure, diabetes, smoking and use of certain medications.  These medications generally include steroids, statins and phenothiazines. 

 

Cataract Surgery

 

Surgery is the only way to remove cataracts in order to restore vision. Cataract surgery is routinely performed and is commonplace in the United States and Canada.  The success rate of this surgery is quite high. Close to 95 percent of cataract surgeries successfully result in better vision.  Cataract surgery involves the removal of the opacified lens replaced with an artificial lens called in intraocular lens or IOL. 

 

Procedure

 

With advances in medicine, the modern cataract procedure is called Phacoemulsification.  This involves using a high frequency ultrasound probe which obliterates the cloudy lens into tiny fragments which are then taken out from the eye with suction.

 As with other surgeries, cataract surgery also has a risk of complications.  This risk is increased if there is a pre-existing eye disease or other medical condition.  However, complications are usually dealt with successfully. 

Recently, a new way to remove cataract has emerged which uses a Femtosecond laser, which is similar to the LASIK procedure.  This new method, approved by the FDA, is even more reliable in terms of accuracy and safe. 

Recovery

The procedure is quite quick and lasts approximately 15 minutes.  Medicated eye drops are prescribed to be used for a period of a few weeks after surgery.  A protective shield must be worn while sleeping for about 7-10 days after surgery.  Post-operative sunglasses are to be worn for protection from the sun and other light sources during eye recovery.

Types of Cataracts

• A subcapsular cataract is located at the back of the lens. Those most likely to get this type of cataract are diabetics or those taking high doses of steroid medications.
• A nuclear cataract as the name suggests, this type of cataract forms deep in nucleus of the lens. Nuclear cataracts are usually associated with aging.
• A cortical cataract occurs in the central nucleus of the lens.  Wedge shaped opacities appear in the periphery of the lens and move towards the center.