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What is a cataract?
Cataracts are an eye disease in which the lens becomes cloudy and vision is impaired. Cataracts are one of the typical diseases of old age and are considered to be one of the most common eye diseases. The only long-term solution is an operation in which the cloudy lens is removed and an artificial lens is inserted.
Signs of cataracts
The three main symptoms of cataracts include:
- Blurred vision: Vision gradually decreases. Those affected report that they see through a veil. Colors are perceived as less strong.
- Increasing sensitivity to glare , for example when driving in the dark, and bright sunlight or flashing lights are also perceived as unpleasant.
- Impairment of spatial vision: As a result, those affected can fall more often.
Cataracts can initially affect just one eye or both eyes. There is no pain whatsoever. There is also no burning of the eyes. Only the dwindling loss of vision points to an illness. There are different forms of haze.
- For example, the bark star can occur. This is an old age star. Sensitivity to glare is typical of bark cloudiness.
- In nuclear cataracts , distance vision is impaired. Double and multiple images can also occur.
- With posterior shell opacity , close-up visual acuity decreases. Similar to the bark cataract, sensitivity to glare also occurs here.
People with diabetes and smokers are more likely to get cataracts. Intensive UV radiation can also promote cataracts. However, there are no other preventive measures to protect yourself from an illness. Keep the annual check-up appointment with your ophthalmologist and always have an eye test. Poor vision is usually one of the first signs of cataracts.
Treat cataracts
Cataracts do not go away on their own or can be treated with medication. However, it can be surgically removed. The procedure is considered to be very safe and in most cases proceeds without complications. The cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. This procedure is called phacoemulsification and is considered a standard procedure. They are either monofocal lenses or multifocal lensesdeployed. A monofocal lens has only one focal point. Clear vision is therefore only possible in the distance or in the near. With a multifocal lens, sharp vision is possible for both distance and near. However, contrasts are seen less sharply and the eyes can be more sensitive to glare with the lenses. Which artificial lens is suitable for you depends on the shape of your cataract and your individual needs. Therefore, seek comprehensive advice from your ophthalmologist.
Difference between cataracts and glaucoma
Glaucoma also affects vision. However, the cause is different: Glaucoma has increased intraocular pressure, which damages the optic nerve and the retina. Inadequate blood flow to the optic nerve can also promote glaucoma. Left untreated, glaucoma can lead to blindness.
