Clouding of the lens of the eye makes it difficult to see. What causes cataracts?, aging, genetic factors and environmental factors. Long-term UV exposure and smoking can also increase the risk. The lens in the eye hardens and becomes opaque over time, reducing the quality of vision.
What are the Symptoms of Cataract?
Blurred vision is the most common symptom of the disease. Vision may deteriorate, especially when driving in brightly lit environments, day or night. Lights may appear brighter or scattered. This can make it difficult to do daily activities. Over time, vision loss increases.
Another symptom is that colors appear dull. Vibrant colors may be perceived as duller and more faded. This is especially noticeable when working with colorful clothes or objects. The loss of vibrancy of colors, cataract It indicates a progressive deterioration in vision ability.
Near vision problems are also a common symptom. People often have difficulty seeing objects at close range. Activities such as reading or using a computer become difficult. Sometimes, even if the problem is solved with old eyeglasses, the clarity of vision usually does not improve.
Sensitivity to light is another symptom associated with this condition. Patients may feel uncomfortable in the presence of bright lights. Sunlight, halogen lamps or car headlights in particular can be more irritating to the eyes. This can lead to reactions such as blinking frequently or tilting the head in an attempt to protect the eyes.
What Causes Cataracts?
The lens of the eye must be clear to focus light properly. However, over time, certain factors can cause this loss of transparency. The aging process is the most common cause. As people age, changes occur in the lens of the eye and the lens becomes cloudy. This reduces the quality of vision.
Genetic factors also play an important role. Those who have similar problems in their family, cataract They may experience eye diseases such as ophthalmology earlier. Familial predisposition may cause the lens in the eye to change over time and cause vision loss. People who are genetically prone to this disease may experience this problem even at an early age.
Environmental factors can also often negatively affect eye health. Prolonged exposure to the sun increases the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. UV rays can damage the lens of the eye over time. Smoking is also a factor that accelerates this condition. The chemicals in cigarette smoke affect the eye structure and cause vision problems.
Certain health problems can trigger this condition. For example, metabolic diseases such as diabetes can accelerate changes in the eye. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can cause clouding of the lens of the eye. In addition, eye injuries or certain medications can also cause this problem.
How is Cataract Treated?
This vision problem is usually treated with surgery. Initially, doctors may try to correct the vision problem by using glasses or contact lenses. However, if these methods are not sufficient, surgery may be recommended. Surgery is usually an effective treatment option and has a high success rate. During the operation, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a synthetic lens.
The surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia. The patient is conscious during the procedure but does not feel any pain. The eye is opened with a microsurgical instrument and the lens is carefully removed. An artificial lens, usually made of silicone or acrylic, is then inserted. This procedure can take several minutes. Patients are then usually discharged from the hospital quickly.
The recovery process after surgery is usually rapid. Many patients can return to their routine work within a few days. However, the eye may be sensitive and slightly blurry in the first few days. It is important to use eye drops as recommended by the doctor. In addition, patients should avoid strenuous activities for a while and protect their eyes. Full recovery may take several weeks.
After treatment, vision usually improves rapidly. The artificial lens eliminates the blur in the eye and provides clear vision. However, some individuals may need glasses or near vision lenses. In most cases, the newly implanted lens provides long-lasting results and does not cause any discomfort to the eye. Vision improves significantly in the treated eye.
Treatment for this problem usually requires surgery and has a high success rate. Inserting an artificial lens can permanently solve the vision problem. Recovery after surgery is rapid and most patients can return to their previous activities in a short time. However, it is important to follow the doctor's recommendations during the treatment process. What causes cataracts? Solving the problem is of great importance to protect eye health.