Cataract

A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear and transparent lens of the eyes, similar to a frosted window. When the fogging of the lens develops, it can be caused the limited vision of your eyes without pain.

Cause and Risk Factors of Cataracts : Factors that may contribute to cataract development include:
- Age related: Most cataracts are related to aging, especially, in patients over 65 years old.
- Hereditary: A family may have a history of developing cataract which can be cause from the unusual Galactose. During development: A mother may transmit cataracts to her baby during pregnancy, such as rubella (German measles).
- Accident or Traumatic: Cataracts may follow an injury to the eye, either quickly or years later.
- Health problems: Cataracts may be related to health problems, such as diabetes, long-term use of corticosteroids, and other inflammatory and metabolic disorders.

Other causes: Cataracts may follow radiation exposure and excessive exposure to UV light (sunlight), smoke, or alcohol.

Symptoms indicating Cataract :

The condition tends to develop slowly, so vision worsens gradually as the cataract develops. If the symptoms are not treated, complications as acute glaucoma, uveitis will develop.

Treatment Of Cataracts : The treatment of cataract can be done under surgery only. A cataract should be removed when vision loss interferes with your daily activities Surgery consists of removing the lens and replacing them with artificial ones, which are life long.

There are 2 ways removing cataract : Two different types of standard cataract surgery can be used. Your ophthalmologist will discuss these surgical options with you. Together, you will decide which type of lens replacement is best.

1. Extracapsular surgery
This procedure is suitable for the worst cataract, which cannot be able to destroy with the ultrasound wave. It consists of surgically removing the lens by making around 10 mm. incision on the side of the cornea but leaving intact the back half of capsule (the outer covering of the lens) to replace with the artificial lens.

2. Phacoemulsification (Surgery with Ultrasound Wave)
Today, most favorable used technique, also called small incision cataract surgery or ‘Phaco’ surgery. There are compared advantages as follows :
- The surgery can be performed with the early stage of the cataract symptom.
- No-stitch surgery requires only 3.2 – 4.2 mm. incision.
- The faster healing, which makes hospitalisation, is not necessary for the postoperative care.
- The clear and steady vision after surgery more rapidly improves.
- With short postoperative care, you can go back to every work earlier compared to Extracapsular surgery.

For further information, please contact : www.phukethospital.com