Important biological properties of the lens are its transparency, those resembling a camera lens, as well as its flexibility. These properties are maintained via a complex cell mechanism that sustains a fixed fluid level inside the lens. With the passage of time, the crystalline lens of the eye or its envelope can become cloudy. This cloudiness, or opacity, is known as a cataract and causes blurred vision. Vision gradually deteriorates slowly and usually occurs in both eyes, but not at the same level of severity or at the same rate in each eye. In Third World countries, where surgical services are inadequate, the degree of vision loss can result in blindness, this actually being the most common condition responsible for (treatable) blindness in the world.
There are a few types of cataracts. The most common type, a senile cataract, is age-related. This type of cataract is characterized by an initial opacity in the lens, subsequent swelling of the lens, and finally, shrinkage with complete loss of transparency. Cataracts may be partial or complete, stationary or progressive, hard or soft. Some cataracts are congenital as a result of genetic factors. Cataracts develop for a variety of reasons, including long-term exposure to ultraviolet light, exposure to radiation, secondary effects of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and advanced age, eye injury or physical trauma. They are usually a result of denaturation of lens protein. For the majority of the population, cataracts appear between 55 and 65 years of age. Approximately 40% of the population over 60 years old suffers from cataracts. However, cataracts can also afflict young people.
Symptoms of Cataracts
Reduced visual acuity is one of the most common symptoms of the disease. With certain types of cataracts, nearsightedness actually improves. Another indication may be frequent or rapid prescription changes for eyeglasses or contact lenses. Other types of cataracts may incur glare from sunlight or from car headlights at night. In some cases, cataracts may appear as an intraocular infection, while congenital cataracts manifest in the newborn as a white pupil. If any of these symptoms should develop or be identified, it is extremely important to contact a physician promptly.
How is a cataract diagnosed?
The ophthalmologist can diagnose a cataract by simple clinical examination using a slit lamp to conduct a dilated eye exam. During the same examination, the physician measures the intraocular pressure, the optic nerve and the optic center. Following clinical examination, the physician will devise a treatment plan for cataract treatment with additional surgeries if necessary.
Treating Cataracts
Recommended treatment for cataracts is relatively simple. Prior to surgery, the eyes are anesthetized using local anesthetic (eye drops). A minor surgical procedure is performed to remove the cloudy lens, then replacing the damaged lens with an artificial transparent lens. Thanks to modern technology, cataract surgery does not require hospitalization. Enaim’s operating theaters’ are designed exclusively for ophthalmologic surgery, possessing state of the art equipment and the most advanced resources available presently. Although a local anesthetic is administered for the majority of surgeries, an anesthesiologist who monitors a patient’s general status is present for each and every surgery. In the majority of cases, the procedure is performed applying the cutting-edge phacemulsification technique. An ultrasound device removes the cloudy lens through a tiny flap. The new artificial lens will replace the natural lens and will remain in the eye permanently. The "phaco technique" improves vision almost immediately. The surgery usually lasts one half hour and does not require hospitalization. The patient is free to return to regular daily activities shortly following surgery. The success rates of the treatment using the phacemulsification technique are excellent, thanks to Enaim Medical Center’s advanced technology, voluminous experience of superior physicians, and the participation of skilled staff members.
Multi Cataract – An End to Reading Glasses
In some of the cases, the physicians at Enaim Medical Centers will perform an exceptional progressive surgery. An intraocular lens is implanted to reduce the dependence on glasses for close and distant vision. The intraocular lenses (ReZoom or ReSTOR types) enables multi-focal focusing and vision, in short, vision for distance and reading as well. These lenses eliminate the need for reading glasses.
