EYESIGHT TREATMENTS - CATARACTS
A cataract is an opacity [cloudiness]
that develops in the lens of the eye or in its envelope.
Age-related cataract may result in increased power of
the lens, causing near-sightedness [myopia]. It can
also lead to gradual yellowing of the lens; reducing
the perception of blue colours. Untreated cataracts
can cause vision loss and blindness.
More
About Cataracts
Protect
Your Eyes From UV Damage
Prevention & Treatment of Cataracts
Although there is no proven prevention of cataracts,
wearing ultraviolet-protecting sunglasses may slow the
development of cataracts.
Studies have also shown that regular intake of antioxidants
(such as Vitamin
C and
Vitamin
E)
may also be helpful.
For
other cataract care products, including eye drops and
vitamin supplements.
The most effective and common treatment for cataracts
is to surgically remove the cloudy lens. More recent
treatments for cataracts consist of a six-week period
of eye drops.
Surgery For Cataracts
There are two types of surgery that can be used to
remove cataracts:
- Extra-capsular surgery [extracapsular
cataract extraction, or ECCE] - removes the lens but
leaves most of the lens capsule intact. High frequency
sound waves [phacoemulsification] are sometimes used
to break up the lens before extraction.
- Intra-capsular surgery [intracapsular
cataract extraction, or ICCE] - a rare procedure that
removes both the lens and the lens capsule.
In both procedures, the lens is replaced with a permanent
lens implant.
Recent improvements have resulted in a multifocal lens
to create a visual environment in which they are less
dependent on glasses.
Cataract operations are usually performed using a local
anaesthetic, with the patient going home the same day.
NEXT: Prevention
& Treatment of Glaucoma
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