Cataracts In the elderly - causes and treatment steps

Cataracts are a cloudy area of the eye lens that is usually clear and will obscure the vision. Cataracts do not cause pain and include very common diseases. The eye lens is the transparent part behind the pupil (the black dot in the center of the dark eye) which serves to focus light on the retina lining.

With the presence of cataracts, the eyepiece clarity is reduced and the light entering the eye becomes blocked. As we get older, the lens lenses are generally cloudy and foggy. So cataracts are a common disease as we grow older. Many people who ultimately need surgery to get this damaged lens with an artificial lens.

Cataract Patients
Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in the world. Cataracts can also occur in infants and children (cataracts of children), although the likelihood is very small. The disease is commonly found in elderly people and is known as an elderly cataract.

It is estimated that there are about 210,000 new patients appearing every year. And more than 50% of blindness in Indonesia is caused by cataracts.

Cataract Symptoms May Be Experienced
Cataracts generally attack both eyes of patients with severity that may vary and not simultaneously. This disease can develop for years and is not felt by the sufferer. Cataracts do not cause pain or irritation. Patients will usually experience a vague and foggy vision. Then will appear spots or spots when the vision is less clear. This condition can also affect your views in ways such as:

• Sensitive eyes when exposed to blinding light.
• It's hard to see when the light is dim (especially at night) or very bright.
• All become double look.
• All look like having a yellow or brown tinge.
• The size of the lens glasses are often changed.
• Around the bright light (for example, car lights or streetlights) like there is a halo.
• The colors that look faded or become obscure.

Consult with an optician if there is a sudden change in your vision. Optisien will examine the eye with an ophthalmoscope. This tool will clarify the look of the eye and let out a bright light so that the optician can see the inside of the eye, including the condition of your eyepiece.

If there are cataracts, it is advisable to consult an ophthalmologist who can provide a diagnosis and plan your treatment process.

Causes and Cataract Risk Factors in the elderly

The cause of cataracts is not known for certain. As we get older, the proteins that make up the eyepiece will change, including the water content. This is what allows the lens of the eye that was clear, turned into turbid. Until now, the reason behind the aging process that can lead to changes in protein in the eyepiece is unknown. However, there are several other factors that will increase your risk of cataracts. Among others are:

• The eyes exposed to sunlight for a long time.
• Certain diseases, such as diabetes or inflammation in the middle of the eye (uveitis) long term.
• Consumption of high-dose corticosteroid drugs for a long time.
• Ever had eye surgery.
• Ever had an eye injury.
• Have a history of cataracts in the family.
• Unhealthy diet and vitamin deficiency.
• Consume large amounts of alcohol on a regular basis.
• Smoke.

Step Treatment of Cataracts in the elderly

Bright sunglasses and lights may help light cataracts. However, cataracts will develop over time and eventually the patient will need surgery. The only proven effective treatment step is surgery. The healing effect of surgery will be very significant, especially for patients with cataract conditions that already inhibit daily activities.

In cataract surgery, the cloudy lens will be removed and replaced with a clear plastic lens. The surgery is usually done with local anesthesia to make your eyes numb. After surgery, doctors will generally recommend the use of two types of eye drops. Drops containing antibiotics to prevent infection and containing steroids to reduce swelling.

In addition to the use of eye drops, there are some things you should avoid during the recovery period. This is done to prevent infection or complications. Activities that should be shunned include eye rubbing, swimming, heavy physical activity (such as holding a child or shifting furniture), and using eye cosmetics (eg, eyeliner or eyeshadow). You also need to be careful to keep eye hygiene when in a place that is windy and dusty and when shampooing.

Although recovery from surgery will take some time (from a few days to weeks), almost everyone who goes through it will feel an improvement in their eyesight. Patients usually can return to normal routine within two weeks after surgery. The wearing of glasses may also be needed to aid near or near vision. Similarly, if you have glasses, the size of the lens can change. It is recommended to wait for recovery to finish before making new glasses.

New Developments In Cataract Treatment

Along with technological developments, surgical removal of cataracts can now be done with a computerized process. In this process, a special laser beam will be guided through a three-dimensional image so that the incision can be more accurate according to the instructions of the surgeon. In addition to the accuracy, some experts also mentioned that this procedure has the potential to shorten the duration of cataract surgery.