What is Cataract? Symptoms and Treatment of Cataract

The origin of the word cataract comes from the Greek "katarraktes" and the Latin "cataracta" words. The term cataract, which means iron bar, refers to the eye disease that arises due to problems with the lens of the eye. Cataract disease is one of the most common causes of blindness, especially in developing and undeveloped countries. Cataract disease occurs as a result of the lens in the eye losing its transparency and becoming opaque. There is no pharmacological treatment for cataract disease. The only treatment method is surgery. To treat this problem, which frequently arises in advanced ages, the opaque lens is removed through surgery and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens. The history of cataract surgery dates back to very ancient times. With the advancement of technology, surgical practices have improved, and complications have significantly decreased.

What is Cataract?

Cataract is an eye disease characterized by cloudiness and opacity occurring within, on, or in the capsule part of the eye lens, affecting one or both eyes. Cataract is a progressive disease that can be congenital or acquired later in life. 

Congenital cataract is referred to as congenital cataract, while cataract that develops later in life is called senile cataract. It is believed that multiple factors and mechanisms contribute to the formation of cataracts, but these mechanisms are not fully defined. The eye undergoes a process called accommodation to see up close. It is thought that with advancing age, the accommodative power decreases, leading to thickening of the lens. 

What are the Symptoms of Cataract?

The symptoms experienced by an individual vary according to the degree of the cataract. Among the symptoms of cataract disease, which causes significant vision problems, are the following: 

• Difficulty seeing both near and far, 
• Sensitivity to light, 
• Decreased vision on clear and sunny days, 
• Difficulty in perceiving colors, dull colors, 
• Blurry vision, 
• Eye fatigue and pain, headache, 
• Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription, 
• Reduced vision in dark environments, 
• Loss of depth and dimension in vision, 
• Difficulty driving, 
• Needing a strong light source while reading, 
• Double vision. 

What are the Causes of Cataract?

The exact mechanisms of cataract formation have not been definitively determined. However, it is thought that certain risk factors may contribute to the development of cataracts. The risk factors for cataracts include: 

• Age: Age is considered an important factor in the formation of cataracts. It is the most significant risk factor for cataract formation. Cataracts are more common in older individuals compared to younger people. 
• Gender: The prevalence of cataracts is higher in women than in men. This is thought to be due to decreased estrogen levels after menopause. 
• Diabetes: Diabetes is a metabolic disease that affects many tissues and organs in the body, including the eyes. It is known that people who have had diabetes for many years are more likely to develop cataracts. 
• Vitamin deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamins such as vitamin A, niacin, vitamin C, and vitamin E are thought to play a role in the development of cataracts. Additionally, minerals such as zinc, copper, and selenium support eye health, and inadequate intake of these minerals can lead to various eye diseases, including cataracts. 
• Genetic predisposition: Having a family history of cataracts increases the risk of developing the disease. 
• Medications: The use of certain medications, such as steroids, is known to predispose individuals to the formation of cataracts. 
• Exposure to radiation: Numerous studies indicate that exposure to UV rays can trigger the formation of acquired cataracts. Technicians who are frequently exposed to radiation due to occupational reasons and cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy are at a higher risk of developing cataracts.  

What is Good for Cataracts?

There are some lifestyle changes that can slow the progression of cataract disease. These include: 

• A diet rich in vegetables and fruits that are high in vitamins,  
• The use of supplements that support eye health, such as Omega-3, vitamin A, lutein, and coenzyme Q10, 
• Wearing hats and sunglasses to protect the eyes from sunlight, 
• Including seafood, especially fish, in the diet. 

How is Cataract Treated?

Cataract disease cannot be treated with medication or dietary changes. The only solution in treatment is surgical operation. The choice of surgical method is determined based on the patient's psychological and physiological characteristics and the progression of the cataract. In the early stages of cataract, which has not yet progressed, using glasses can allow a person to continue their daily activities, but this is a symptomatic application. The use of glasses does not have any therapeutic effect. With the advancement of technology, the complications of cataract surgeries, which are performed frequently and safely, have significantly decreased. The main goal in cataract surgery is to remove the opaque lens that has lost its transparency and replace it with a healthy intraocular lens. 

Cataract Surgery

Cataract treatment is only performed through surgical intervention. These surgical procedures are among the most commonly performed eye operations worldwide. Before cataract surgery, local or general anesthesia is administered. While general anesthesia is often preferred for children, local anesthesia is administered for adults through an injection or eye drops. The choice of anesthesia method takes into account the patient's ability to cooperate.  

Once the patient is under the effect of anesthesia, an incision is made in the eye for the surgical procedure. After opening the front part of the lens, all or part of the cataract-affected area is removed. Only the lens capsule is left intact after removing the cataractous part. Depending on the patient's age, the health condition of the eye, and the type of surgery to be performed, a new lens implantation is carried out. For infant patients under 1 year of age, a new lens is not implanted. In some cases, lens implantation may be postponed based on the course and success of the surgery. The characteristics of the lens to be implanted also vary depending on the structure and health of the eye, requiring different attachment methods, such as stitching to the eye wall or fixing to the iris.  

The postoperative period is as important as the successful completion of the surgery in terms of cataract treatment. The operated eye is bandaged after the surgery. Since the eye becomes exposed to external infection factors, this bandage should not be removed without consulting the doctor. Additionally, the eye should not be rubbed or subjected to harsh movements after the surgery. The duration of hospital stay after the surgery is determined by the doctor. Any medication should be taken under the doctor's supervision, avoiding self-medication. Before engaging in activities such as washing the face, taking a shower, or exercising, approval from the doctor should be obtained. After cataract surgery, cataracts do not recur. However, the capsule into which the lens is implanted may thicken. Although this condition is commonly referred to as "secondary cataract" among the public, it is not a true cataract. 

How to Prevent Cataracts?

Although it is not possible to completely prevent cataracts, certain measures can provide protection. The following practices are thought to help prevent cataract disease: 

• Protecting the eyes from sunlight as much as possible,  
• Wearing sunglasses on sunny days, 
• Maintaining a diet rich in fish and seafood, 
• Emphasizing green vegetables in food consumption, 
• Avoiding the use of immunosuppressive drugs such as cortisone, except in emergencies and under doctor’s advice, 
• Taking precautions against eye injuries and trauma. 

It is especially important to have examinations and be under the supervision of a specialist doctor before cataracts, which significantly affect eye health and negatively impact quality of life, develop. In this way, patients at risk can be aware before problems arise, or patients experiencing this issue can regain their health with sufficient equipment and experience. Do not neglect routine eye examinations to protect against eye diseases.