As you grow older, your body becomes a lot weaker than it used to be. This means that a lot of things you used to be able to do quite easily might become progressively difficult. This also means that a lot of your bodily features might change how they function. Some organs are also affected as their normal functionality tends to reduce and this happens quite naturally. One of such organs is the eye.
At a certain age, visibility becomes a bit impaired, and certain eye defects might set in naturally. One of the most common age-related eye defects is a cataract, which usually affects people when they’re much older. Cataract affects vision and grows progressively worse and could make it difficult for affected people to do simple things like reading a book, watch TV, or drive. For more information, here are a few frequently asked questions about cataract.
What Exactly Is Cataract?
A cataract is a condition which affects the eye lens progressively. It is an expected part of ageing and is usually caused by a natural accumulation of protein in the eye. The more of this build-up, the more difficult normal eye functions are, and visibility becomes increasingly impaired.
Is Surgery the Only Way to Treat It?
In the early stages, it’s possible to manage symptoms of cataracts with contact lenses or prescription glasses. Sometimes, using sunglasses to help with the sensitivity of light can also help manage symptoms. However, all these will not treat the condition. The only proper way to treat cataracts is by undergoing proper eye surgery from qualified specialists. For proper consultation and effective cataracts treatment, make an appointment with Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Private Healthcare to get advice on how to manage the issue.
What’s the Most Likely Age Cataracts Set In?
A lot of the time, people in their 40s already start to develop cataracts, but the symptoms are usually not there until years later when these people are in their 60s or older.
What Symptoms of Cataracts Should Be Expected?
The type of cataracts a person has could determine the specific symptoms, but, generally, the most pronounced symptom is a blurry vision. More specifically, there is a reduction in general contrast, brightness, and saturation of colours. In some patients, there is double vision, and this is still prevalent even if they cover one eye.
What Happens During Cataract Surgery?
Since your lens has been affected, the surgery seeks to help get your vision back by removing the affected lens and replacing it with a synthetic one. Usually, a plastic lens is used, and it remains in your eye forever.
During surgery, anaesthetic is administered to help with the pain. You’d be awake ,but it’s unlikely that you’d be able to see properly. Furthermore, you definitely wouldn’t feel any pain and would most likely be asked to lie still during the process.
How Successful Are These Surgeries?
There are risks with everything, especially medical procedures. However, at least 95% of all cataract surgeries are successful. Most of the complications that may occur as a result of the surgery are quite manageable, and patients usually have nothing to worry about.
If you have been diagnosed with cataracts, see a qualified expert and discuss treatment. The condition, at a certain age, is usually expected and is not life-threatening at all.
