A cataract is a cloudy area that forms in the natural lens inside the eye. Very common in older people, cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss worldwide. Luckily, simple surgery is available which can remove them – here we explore when to consider cataract surgery and the life-changing benefits it can offer.
Cataracts appear as a cloudy area on the crystalline lens, the natural lens that rests inside the eye. They are very common in people over the age of 50 and will affect everyone if they live long enough. Sometimes, they can also affect babies and young people.
Once a cataract has begun to cause poor vision, there are no treatments that are effective other than surgery. Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed, and safe and effective surgeries in the world, and can completely reverse vision loss caused by cataracts.
Signs of cataracts
Symptoms of cataracts usually appear gradually over time and cause blurred and hazy vision. As they worsen, they may affect everyday activities such as reading or being able to see clearly at night. Colors can appear faded and certain lights may appear too bright to look at. Headlights from cars at night can cause severe glare and lights can appear to have ‘starbursts’ around them.
Another sign can be suddenly needing to change glasses prescriptions regularly. In the most severe cases, it can lead to a severe loss of vision. Thankfully, vision can be recovered with surgery.
What causes cataracts?
Cataracts are caused by normal changes in the eye as we age. Proteins begin to break down as we get older and clump together on the lens. This can build up over time and eventually appears as a cloudy area which affects the way we see things.
Who is affected by cataracts?
Cataracts are common as people age and are very common in people over the age of 80. There are other factors that can increase the risk of cataracts developing, including:
- Smoking
- Family history
- Eye injury
- Diabetes
- Certain medication
What is cataract surgery?
Before surgery is recommended, a definite diagnosis is required. There are many causes of vision loss, other than cataracts. Evaluation involves vision screening and a complete eye examination. Once confirmed, a surgical removal of the clouded lens (with an artificial lens implant to focus the light) is the only option to successfully improve or restore vision.
The Eye Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi offers state-of-the-art laser-assisted and ultrasound surgery to remove cataracts, as well as the latest artificial lenses. Each surgery is tailored to the patient’s individual needs to achieve the best possible results.
When to consider cataract surgery
When cataracts begin to affect quality of life, surgery should be considered. Having difficulty with simple tasks like being able to see at a distance, reading, watching television, or driving at night are usually indicators that treatment is required.
What are the benefits of cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is a common procedure that can restore vision, with a very high success rate and minimal chance of complications. But the benefits of surgery go beyond improving vision, and it can have a positive impact on overall quality of life.
Once cataracts appear, people tend to make gradual life changes to compensate for any vision loss. Although small, these changes can impact quality of life over time. People often give up on hobbies they enjoy, even though they are still otherwise physically able. People may be afraid to drive at night and reduce contact with others. This can lead to feeling socially withdrawn and can even lead to depression. Once surgery is performed and vision restored, independence is regained, and patients can enjoy many of the activities they used to.
Loss of vision is also a contributing factor to falls and broken bones, so surgery to restore vision can help to decrease this risk.
Cataract surgery is a safe, highly effective procedure that can drastically improve quality of life by restoring vision. Talk to your doctor to see whether it is right for you.