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Read MoreCataracts are a leading cause of blindness globally, affecting over 8 million people in India.
Cataracts are a leading cause of blindness globally, affecting over 8 million people in India.
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. It is the most common cause of vision loss in people over age 40 and is also the principal cause of blindness in the world.
What Cataract Vision Looks Like
Double Vision
Foggy Vision
Faded Vision
Halo Around Lights
Causes and Symptoms of Cataract
Cataracts can develop for various reasons, including aging, diabetes, excessive exposure to sunlight, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, previous eye injury or inflammation, prolonged use of corticosteroid medications, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Cataracts can develop for various reasons, including aging, diabetes, excessive exposure to sunlight, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, previous eye injury or inflammation, prolonged use of corticosteroid medications, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Understanding the Triggers
Cataracts can manifest in a variety of ways, making it important to be aware of the common symptoms.
- Aging: The most common cause, as the proteins in the lens begin to clump together with age.
- Genetics: Family history can increase the risk of developing cataracts.
- Diabetes: Higher blood sugar levels can lead to the formation of cataracts.
- Prolonged exposure to sunlight: UV radiation can accelerate cataract formation.
- Smoking: Increases oxidative stress on the lens, leading to cataract development.
- Previous eye injuries or surgeries: Trauma or surgeries can lead to secondary cataracts.
Cataract Symptom Checker
Cataract Symptom Checker
Blurred or Dim
Vision
As the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, it blocks and scatters light, making vision appear blurry, hazy, or less bright. This can make it difficult to see fine details or read.
Increased Difficulty
with Night Vision
Cataracts can make it harder to see well in low light conditions, such as at night or in dimly lit rooms. Glare and halos around lights may also become more noticeable.
Sensitivity to
Light & Glare
The clouding of the lens can make the eyes more sensitive to bright light, sunlight, and glare from headlights. This causes discomfort in performing daily tasks.
Seeing "Halos"
Around Lights
As cataracts progress, people may start to notice circular halos or rings of light around bright objects, especially at night. This is caused by light scattering through cloudy lens.
Fading or Yellowing
of Colors
Cataracts can also cause colors to appear more dull, faded, or yellowed, which makes it harder to distinguish between certain shades, specially in old aged people.
Research indicates that cataract surgery is one of the most effective and commonly performed surgeries worldwide, with a high success rate in restoring vision.
Research indicates that cataract surgery is one of the most effective and commonly performed surgeries worldwide, with a high success rate in restoring vision.
Studies also show that early detection and treatment can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals affected by cataracts.
Diagnosis of Cataract
The diagnostic process at Mahaveer Eye Hospital includes a series of specialized tests and examinations that provide a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s visual health and the condition of the eye’s structures. These diagnostic procedures are designed to gather detailed information about the individual’s visual acuity, the clarity of the lens, the overall health of the eye, and any other factors that may be contributing to the development of cataracts.Â
Choosing the Right Lens for You
Monofocal Lenses
Provide clear vision at one distance, typically distance vision, requiring reading glasses for close work.
Multifocal Lenses
Provide clear vision at multiple distances, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses.
Accommodative Lenses
Mimic the eye's natural focusing ability, allowing for a range of vision from near to distance.
Monovision Lenses
Provide clear vision at one distance, typically distance vision, requiring reading glasses for close work.
EDOF Lenses
Provide clear vision at multiple distances, reducing or eliminating the need for glasses.
Toric Lenses
Designed to correct astigmatism, providing clear vision at distances for patients with this refractive error.
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Visual Acuity Test
This test assesses the sharpness and clarity of a person's vision. The individual is asked to read letters or numbers from an eye chart at a distance, first with one eye and then the other.
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Slit-Lamp Examination
A slit lamp is a specialized microscope that uses a thin, intense beam of light to illuminate and magnify the structures at the front of the eye.
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Retinal Exam
During this exam, the healthcare provider uses eye drops to dilate the pupils, allowing them to get a better view of the retina at the back of the eye.
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Applanation Tonometry
This test measures the pressure inside the eye, known as intraocular pressure. Abnormal eye pressure can be a sign of conditions like glaucoma, which can contribute to the development of cataracts.
Advanced Treatment Options Offered at
Mahaveer Eye Hospital
Advanced Treatment Options Offered at
Mahaveer Eye Hospital
The primary treatment for cataracts is surgery, where the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. This procedure is highly effective in restoring clear vision and significantly improving the quality of life for patients suffering from cataracts. At Mahaveer Eye Hospital, we utilize advanced surgical techniques and state-of-the-art technology to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.
FAQs
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Is cataract surgery safe?
Yes, cataract surgery is considered one of the safest and most commonly performed surgeries worldwide. Complications are rare, and the procedure is highly successful in restoring clear vision for the majority of patients.
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How long does it take to recover from cataract surgery?
Most people experience improved vision within a few days after surgery, with complete recovery typically within several weeks. Your eye doctor will provide post-operative care instructions to ensure optimal healing and vision outcomes.
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Can cataracts be prevented?
While cataracts are primarily age-related, certain lifestyle choices may help delay their onset. Protecting your eyes from UV radiation with sunglasses, maintaining a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, avoiding smoking, and managing conditions like diabetes can potentially reduce your risk of developing cataracts.