Cataract Surgeries
Cataracts
Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, reducing the amount of light that reaches the retina and gradually causing a gradual loss of vision. If left untreated, it can lead to complete vision loss.
Prevention of Cataracts
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– Avoid smoking.
– Use sunglasses and protective eyewear to shield against ultraviolet radiation.
– Follow a healthy diet that includes fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants.
– Manage cholesterol levels and avoid obesity.
– Maintain stable blood sugar levels.
– Undergo regular eye examinations.
Causes of Cataracts
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– Aging and changes in the composition of the lens.
– Congenital cataracts, which affect children from birth and are often caused by the mother’s intake of certain medications during pregnancy or exposure to certain viruses.
– Trauma to the eye that affects the lens, causing immediate changes and opacity.
– Secondary cataracts resulting from other eye conditions such as iris diseases, chronic retinal diseases, and glaucoma.
– Prolonged use of certain medications, particularly corticosteroids taken orally, as eye drops for other eye conditions, or through inhalation for the treatment of respiratory allergies.
– Diabetes is also a contributing factor to the development of cataracts, especially if blood sugar levels are not well controlled.
Symptoms of Cataracts
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– Blurred vision.
– Difficulty seeing at night.
– Sensitivity to bright light.
– Need for brighter light for clear vision.
– Seeing halos around lights.
Cataract Surgeries
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– Traditional cataract surgery: A large surgical incision (about one centimeter) is made at the edge of the cornea. The cloudy lens is then completely extracted through this incision, followed by the implantation of an artificial lens. The incision is closed with stitches that are typically removed after a certain period. This method is now rarely used except in very rare cases related to the condition of the cornea.
– Phacoemulsification (ultrasound-assisted cataract surgery): A very small incision (about 2 millimeters) is made at the edge of the cornea. The cloudy lens is then emulsified and suctioned out using ultrasonic waves. An artificial transparent lens is implanted, folded and inserted through the narrow incision, and then unfolded inside the original lens capsule.
– Femto-cataract surgery: This is the latest method in cataract surgery. It involves creating a small incision in the eye and also opening the lens capsule. The lens is then divided into smaller parts using a femtosecond laser and the phacoemulsification technique is used to remove the cataract. Finally, an artificial lens is implanted. The femtosecond laser technology allows for greater precision and can be used to correct astigmatism by shaping the corneal incision in specific areas using advanced software.