What is a cataract?
April 8, 2009 | Category: ophthalmology tips
A cataract is an opacification or clouding of the lens inside the eye. It is not a growth over the surface of the eye. Clouding of the lens occurs slowly throughout life but usually does not interfere with vision until old age. Poor vision results because the cloudiness interferes with light entering the eye. The opacities in the lens scatter the light, causing hazy vision, in the same way that a dirty window scatters light.
Most cataracts are a result of ageing and long-term exposure to ultraviolet light. Some are caused by injury and certain diseases and in rare cases by exposure to toxic materials and radiation. Occasionally cataracts are present at birth, due to the baby’s mother having had rubella during the pregnancy, or genetic defects. Usually cataracts affect both eyes but often develop at different rates in each eye.
If untreated, cataracts can cause blindness. Blindness can be prevented by early detection of the cataracts and, if necessary, by having them removed surgically. Your OPSM optometrist will refer you to an eye specialist if they consider that you need medical treatment for your cataracts.
There is no proven method of preventing cataracts. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet light is thought to induce cataracts, so a brimmed hat and approved sunglasses should be worn in sunlight. Cataract surgery is now a relatively minor procedure. Often it is performed under a local anaesthetic. Depending on the patient, the surgery may be performed on an out-patient basis. This means that the patient attends a hospital or clinic for the surgery and is able to go home the same day. The surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist, a medical doctor who specialises in eye surgery. Your optometrist will refer you to an ophthalmologist if necessary.
Tags: cataract, cataracts, cataratas, consejos oftalmologicos, ophthalmology tips
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