cataract
A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, which blurs normal vision. Cataracts can be the result of heredity, trauma, inflammation, diabetes mellitus, a birth defect, or the use of drugs such as steroids. The cause of the vast majority of cataracts is unknown and presumed to be a part of the aging process. This type of cataract is referred to as a senile cataract and is the type seen in approximately 90 percent of all cataract patients.
Symptoms of cataracts include a gradual decrease of vision, double vision, and a decrease in color perception. Treatment for cataracts involves surgical removal of the opaque lens. There are no medicines, drops, or treatments that will dissolve a cataract. Protection from ultraviolet light may help prevent cataracts.
When the lens of the eye is removed it is necessary to replace it in order to see well. There are three ways of replacing the lens: cataract eyeglasses, a contact lens (lens that is worn on the outside of eye), and an intraocular lens (lens that is implanted inside the eye at the time of surgery). Cataract glasses are the simplest optical correction, although they make objects appear 25 percent larger, and severely restrict peripheral vision. Many people adjust to cataract glasses fairly well, but special care should be taken during the adjustment period.
These people may at first have difficulty driving, going up and down stairs, pouring liquids, and walking. Contact lenses can also be used for an optical correction after cataract surgery . Contacts only magnify objects by 8 percent and allow full peripheral vision, therefore reducing the visual distortion. Contact lenses are not suitable for everyone, however. Frequently older people, especially those with arthritis, find they lack the manual dexterity to handle contact lenses. Extended-wear contacts can be fitted in some cases. These are contacts that can be left in the eye for several weeks at a time. When necessary, these lenses are removed, cleansed, and replaced at the doctor's office. This may be a suitable alternative for people who have difficulty handling their lenses.
The third method for optical correction is the intraocular lens. This is an artificial plastic lens that is implanted inside the eye immediately following the cataract removal. The intraocular lens allows full side vision and objects appear their normal size. There is a slight increase of risk at the time of surgery with intraocular lens implantation; however, approximately 95 percent of cataract surgeries with lens implants are successful. Most of the time the intraocular lens is the most effective way to replace the opaque lens in an older person. Most cataract patients have an intraocular lens implant after lens removal.
Newell, F. W. Ophthalmology Principles and Concepts, 6th ed. St. Louis: C. V. Mosby Co., 1986.
Slatt, B. J., and Stein, H. A. The Ophthalmic Assistant Fundamentals and Clinical Practice, 4th ed. St. Louis: C. V. Mosby Co., 1983.
Symptoms of cataracts include a gradual decrease of vision, double vision, and a decrease in color perception. Treatment for cataracts involves surgical removal of the opaque lens. There are no medicines, drops, or treatments that will dissolve a cataract. Protection from ultraviolet light may help prevent cataracts.
When the lens of the eye is removed it is necessary to replace it in order to see well. There are three ways of replacing the lens: cataract eyeglasses, a contact lens (lens that is worn on the outside of eye), and an intraocular lens (lens that is implanted inside the eye at the time of surgery). Cataract glasses are the simplest optical correction, although they make objects appear 25 percent larger, and severely restrict peripheral vision. Many people adjust to cataract glasses fairly well, but special care should be taken during the adjustment period.
These people may at first have difficulty driving, going up and down stairs, pouring liquids, and walking. Contact lenses can also be used for an optical correction after cataract surgery . Contacts only magnify objects by 8 percent and allow full peripheral vision, therefore reducing the visual distortion. Contact lenses are not suitable for everyone, however. Frequently older people, especially those with arthritis, find they lack the manual dexterity to handle contact lenses. Extended-wear contacts can be fitted in some cases. These are contacts that can be left in the eye for several weeks at a time. When necessary, these lenses are removed, cleansed, and replaced at the doctor's office. This may be a suitable alternative for people who have difficulty handling their lenses.
The third method for optical correction is the intraocular lens. This is an artificial plastic lens that is implanted inside the eye immediately following the cataract removal. The intraocular lens allows full side vision and objects appear their normal size. There is a slight increase of risk at the time of surgery with intraocular lens implantation; however, approximately 95 percent of cataract surgeries with lens implants are successful. Most of the time the intraocular lens is the most effective way to replace the opaque lens in an older person. Most cataract patients have an intraocular lens implant after lens removal.
Newell, F. W. Ophthalmology Principles and Concepts, 6th ed. St. Louis: C. V. Mosby Co., 1986.
Slatt, B. J., and Stein, H. A. The Ophthalmic Assistant Fundamentals and Clinical Practice, 4th ed. St. Louis: C. V. Mosby Co., 1983.
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