hospital in Saudi Arabia | Taif  | Makkah
إزالة الضباب: فهم إعتام عدسة العين - العلامات والأعراض والعلاجات الفعالة

Clearing the Fog: Understanding Cataracts - Signs, Symptoms, and Effective Treatments

Cataracts are blurred regions that develop on the lens of your eye. Age-related cataracts are by far the most prevalent form. Blurred vision and glare from lights are symptoms. Your cloudy lens is removed during cataract surgery, and an IOL, a clear artificial lens, is placed in its place. Most cataracts develop gradually and won't initially damage your vision. However, cataracts will eventually obstruct your vision as time passes. But you don't need to put up with your vision getting worse.  AL Adwani General Hospital is the best hospital in KSA region Taif for its exceptional medical services, with renowned ophthalmologists who can help you regain your vision. Your cataracts can be removed surgically by ophthalmologists, restoring your eyesight.

 

  • WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CATARACTS?
     
  • Misty, fuzzy, filmy vision.
  • There could be a shift in the way you perceive color, which would make hues appear less vibrant or faded
  •  Sensitivity to light and glare.
  • Night-time vision problems.
  • Double vision
  • Requiring a light source with greater brightness to read.
  • Changes in contact lens or eyeglass prescription regularly.
  • Seeing "halos" surrounding the lights.

 

WHAT TRIGGERS CATARACTS?
 

The progressive degradation of proteins in your lens is the primary reason for cataracts.

However, compared to other people, you may be more likely to develop cataracts or to do so at a younger age due to specific hereditary and environmental variables.

 

WHAT FACTORS INCREASE THE RISK OF CATARACTS?

 

  •  Aging
  • Diabetes
  • Having cataracts early in life runs in the family
  • Excessive sun and UV radiation exposure over a long period
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Inflammation or prior eye injury
  • Eye surgery in the past
  • Use of steroids





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HOW ARE CATARACTS DIAGNOSED?
 

Optometrists or ophthalmologists often diagnose cataracts after conducting a complete eye exam. During this examination, the doctor will thoroughly examine the eyes to look for any signs of cataracts and gauge how far along they are. Your eyesight, medical history, and any challenges you may be having performing daily duties due to diminished vision will also be discussed with the provider.

 

TREATMENT
 

The only effective treatment for cataracts when your prescription glasses are unable to restore your vision is surgery.

 

WHEN TO CONSIDER CATARACT SURGERY?
 

It is essential to speak with an eye doctor.  whether it may be appropriate to consider cataract surgery. Generally, when cataracts begin to affect your quality of life or make it difficult for you to carry out daily tasks like reading or nighttime driving, most eye physicians advise considering cataract surgery.

The decision to get cataract surgery should be made after consulting with your doctor and taking into account your unique situation. Although cataracts normally do not injure your eyes, if you suffer from certain diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity, your condition can worsen more quickly.

Your eye doctor may advise routine follow-up examinations to track the development of your cataracts if you decide to put off having cataract surgery. The frequency of these tests will vary depending on your unique situation.

 

IS CATARACT SURGERY SAFE?
 

Ophthalmologists perform cataract surgery, which is normally done as an outpatient treatment, which avoids the need for a hospital stay after the operation. Cataracts, a condition that causes the natural lens of the eye to become clouded, are commonly treated using cataract surgery, which is usually safe. The clouded lens is removed during surgery, and a replacement artificial lens is placed in its place. Although there are dangers involved with all surgeries, cataract surgery has a high overall success rate, and many patients report considerable improvements in their vision as a result of the procedure.

 

 RECOVERY FROM CATARACT SURGERY
 

After surgery, your eyes should begin to feel better within a few hours, but it can take a few days for your eyesight to fully recover.

It is typical to have:

 

  • Grittiness
  • Eye-watering
  • Double vision
  • A red or bloodshot eye

 

Although these side effects usually go away within a few days, it can take between 4 and 6 weeks to fully recover.

 

CAN CATARACTS BE AVOIDED?
 

Cataracts are a common disorder of the eyes that are frequently linked to aging. They develop when the eye's lens becomes clouded, impairing vision. Even though cataracts can't always be prevented, there are some things you can do to safeguard your eyes and perhaps even delay the onset of cataracts.

 

  • Avoiding smoking is one of the most crucial things you can do to safeguard your eyes. According to research, smoking significantly increases the risk of developing cataracts. Ask your healthcare physician about resources that can help you stop smoking if you do so.
  • Avoiding lengthy sun exposure is another strategy to safeguard your eyes. Your eyes can be harmed over time by the sun's UV rays, which raises your chance of cataract development. Your exposure to dangerous UV rays can be decreased by donning a brimmed hat, sunglasses, or eye wear with an anti-UV coating.
  • It's also crucial to get regular eye treatment. Your eye doctor can monitor the condition of your eyes and spot any changes that might point to the onset of cataracts.

 

Additionally, they might offer advice on ways to modify one's lifestyle or receive treatments to help cataracts develop more slowly. Adults over 60 are advised to have an eye checkup every one to two years, although your doctor may suggest a different schedule depending on your particular needs.

 

You can alter your lifestyle in addition to these preventative steps to help lower your risk of developing cataracts. Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding excessive alcohol use, and eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can all help reduce your risk of developing cataracts.

 

While it is not always possible to prevent cataracts, you can lessen your risk by taking the necessary precautions to safeguard your eyes and maintain general health. It's crucial to consult your eye doctor as soon as possible if you have questions about your eye health or notice changes in your vision.