Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is a safe and commonly performed procedure used to treat cataracts — a condition in which the eye's natural lens becomes cloudy, leading to blurred or dim vision. Cataracts typically develop gradually and may affect one or both eyes.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of cataracts include cloudy or blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to light and glare, seeing halos around lights, frequent changes in eyeglass prescription, and fading or yellowing of colors. These symptoms can interfere with daily activities like reading, driving, or recognizing faces.

Causes:

Causes of cataracts vary and include aging, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet sunlight, smoking, diabetes, eye injuries, long-term use of steroids, and a family history of the condition. Congenital cataracts may also occur in infants due to genetic or developmental issues.

Treatment:

Treatment involves the surgical removal of the cloudy lens, which is replaced with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The surgery is typically quick, performed under local anesthesia, and has a high success rate with minimal recovery time. Most patients experience a significant improvement in vision shortly after the procedure.

Regular eye check-ups are essential for early detection, especially in individuals over the age of 60 or those with risk factors.