Your eye’s lens works same as a camera lens. It focuses light onto your retina to allow you to have perfect vision. It is also accountable for adjusting the eye’s focus so you can see things distinctly whether it is up close or far away. This lens is made up of protein and water.
As we age, the protein in the lens may clump together and cloud a certain area of the lens. This is how a cataract forms. Over the years, the lens becomes progressively cloudy. As a result, it makes it harder for a person to see things at certain distance, and sometimes at night.
Researches from different parts of the world have identified factors that cause cataracts. These causes include:
Age – as we age, the protein in our eyes can clump as we age
Traumatic – cataracts may form after an eye injury
Secondary – cataract can also be acquired due to a medical condition, such as diabetes. You can also get it by being exposed to ultraviolet light, toxic substances, or radiation. Taking medicines like corticosteroids or diuretics can also cause cataracts.
Congenital – when babies are born with cataracts, the condition is called congenital. This may be due to injury, infection, or even poor development of the baby in the womb during pregnancy. It can also develop in childhood.
Other risks of cataracts are include:
- High level of myopia
- Previous eye injury or inflammation
- Previous eye surgery
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Hypertension
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Prolonged intake of corticosteroid medications
- Significant alcohol consumption
Treating cataract:
If you have cataracts, it does not mean that you immediately need to undergo a cataract surgery. When symptoms begin to manifest, you may still be able to improve your vision by wearing prescription eyeglasses or any other visual aids.
Consider surgery once the cataracts start to progress enough that it is already beginning to affect your day-to-day life. If you are considering about undergoing this surgery, make sure to choose a reliable eye care center to make sure you get top-quality service. They will help you learn whether you need the surgery or not.
What to expect in cataract surgery:
Cataract surgery is designed to improving a patient’s quality of life and in certain cases, to remove the need to wear contact lenses or eyeglasses. However, some patients may still need to use glasses, based on the type of lens implant inserted. During cataract surgery, the eye specialist will eliminate the cloudy lens and then use a clear artificial lens called intraocular lens as a replacement. This surgery only needs about half an hour to complete and painless and safe. As it can be done as an outpatient method, you are able to go home on the same day after the surgeon has already finished the post surgery check. This means that you will have enough time to rest at home and begin to adjust to your new vision.
If you are still in search for a qualified eye care center in Singapore, be sure to visit Atlas Eye. They are known for delivering high-quality and evidence-based eye care services at reasonable rates. This Singapore-based ophthalmology specialist centre is known in the country for harnessing the advantages of the latest techniques and technology to offer optimal results to their patients who need eye health enhancement or rehabilitation. Their friendly staffs deliver quality services and help you achieve great results in every examination, treatment and surgery. Choose Atlas Eye for advanced cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment, childhood eye treatment, refractive surgery, or diabetic treatment.
