Cataract
A cataract is a blurring, clouding, dimming of the eye lenses, mostly happens around the age of 50 and above. Having a cataract could also mean a loss of vision the longer you have it. Unfortunately, cataract cannot be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or corneal refractive surgery like that of LASIK. Luckily, cataract vision loss can be restored by the modern cataract surgery which is considered to be one of the safest, most effective surgical procedures performed today, and the finest vision outcomes are guaranteed. The cloudy lens will be removed and replaced with an artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL).
The cataract surgery at Sirivej Lamphun hospital is performed by a highly proficient ophthalmologist on the outpatient basis therefore does not require an overnight hospital stay. As a matter of fact, the surgery only takes about 15 minutes to complete.
Types of Cataracts
- Age-related cataracts. The majority of cataracts are related to aging.
- Congenital cataracts. Babies can be born with cataracts or develop them in childhood. Not all congenital cataracts affect vision, though those that do are usually removed soon after diagnosis.
- Secondary cataracts. Secondary cataracts occur as a result of inherited genetic disorders, other eye conditions and other medical conditions, such as diabetes.
- Traumatic cataracts. Past eye trauma or surgeries can result in cataracts, which can occur immediately or years later.
Symptoms of Cataracts
- Cloudy or blurry vision
- Faded colors
- Frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions
- Increased glare or halo effect
- Poor night vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Seeing double or multiple images in one eye
Risk Factors for Cataracts
Though experts are not certain what definitively cause cataracts, they have identified factors that can increase your risk of developing them:
- Age
- Diabetes
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Excessive exposure to sunlight
- Family history of cataracts
- Previous eye condition, inflammation, trauma or surgery
- Prolonged use of steroids
- Smoking
Cataracts tend to develop slowly, with symptoms and vision worsening over time. Cataracts usually develop in both eyes and can affect each eye differently.
Diagnosis of Cataracts
In addition to a complete medical history and eye exam, tests to diagnose cataracts may include:
- Light and magnification (slit-lamp test). A microscope uses a thin, powerful slit of light to examine and identify abnormalities in the front structures of your eye, such as the cornea, iris and lens.
- Pupil dilation (retinal examination). The pupil is widened with eye drops to allow a close-up examination of the retina and optic nerve.
- Eye chart reading (visual acuity test). The common eye chart test measures vision ability at various distances.
In addition, other tests may be done to help your eye care professional learn more about the health and structure of your eye.
Treatment for Cataracts
In its early stages, the loss of vision due to cataracts can usually be managed by updating the eyeglass prescription and providing stronger lighting for reading. A cataract only needs to be removed when loss of eyesight gets in the way of your everyday activities, such as driving, reading or watching TV. You and your eye doctor can make that decision together.
Cataract surgery is one of the most common, safe and effective surgeries. It is conducted as an outpatient procedure. Surgery involves swapping out the cloudy lens with an artificial lens, called an intraocular lens, or IOL. The IOL becomes a permanent part of the eye, and you cannot see or feel it. The IOL allows light to pass through to the retina, restoring clarity of vision.
- The most common form of cataract surgery, often called small-incision cataract surgery (phacoemulsification), involves a small incision on the side of the cornea, which is the clear, dome-shaped surface that covers the front of the eye. A tiny probe emits ultrasound waves to soften and break up the cloudy lens. It is then suctioned out of the same incision. The IOL is then inserted through the same incision.
More Information
Department of Eye’s Cataract
Tel. +66(0)53-582-888 ext. 65203
Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday 08.00AM-4.00PM
Cell Phone: +66(0)93-765-7354