Cataract Is An Aging Complication

Frankly speaking, the cataract (opacity of the lens of an eye) is not a disease but an aging complication of eyes. Cataract may occur in majority of people in older age group. You may call it an invisible sign of aging which impair our vision. However, incidence is more in patients affected by diabetes and hypertension. Industrial works having exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation are probably at risk of developing cataract early in life. Excessive use of eye drops containing steroids could also increase the chances of developing cataract faster. Each of our eyes contains a transparent lens. As the age advances or we cross the age of 50 years, the lens of one or both the eyes may start becoming opaque, impairing our vision as the light may not pass onto the retina of our eye. Blurring of images, difficulty in night driving and double vision are the signs of cataract and anybody with these signs of cataract should consult an eye specialist. Nothing to worry. Cataract is 100 per cent treatable through eye surgery.

Cataract surgery is done under local anesthesia of eye and takes less than 30 minutes. In cataract surgery opaque lens of the eye is removed and an artificial new lens is implanted in the eye. Phacoemulsification is a new and advanced technique of cataract surgery employed in majority of the eye care centers through out the world. Phacoemulsification technique is a stitch less and painless procedure of cataract surgery. Majority of the cases could be operated with anesthetic eye drops and only very old people may need inject-able local anesthesia. In phacoemulsification the opaque lens of the affected eye is emulsified and sucked out through a small hole and the new lens is implanted through the same small hole. Results of phacoemulsification technique of cataract surgery are documented to be excellent even in immature or partially developed cataract. The phacoemulsification surgery is not a costly procedure. Patient may move to his home within 2 hours of surgery. Eye drops medication for one to two weeks with a follow up evaluation and refraction for glasses and your vision is perfect. Take special of your eyes and avoid self medication and injudicious use of eye drops containing steroids.