10 May 2019 Author : Tiago Martins Silva The lens of the eye helps focus images on the retina. It is located inside the eyeball, between the pupil and the vitreous humor. Under normal conditions it is completely transparent. Cataracts are an opacification of the lens. This opacification interferes with the transmission of light through the lens. Therefore, cataracts are a cause of reduced or loss of vision . Cataract is very common disorder, more frequent with aging, but it can affect people of any age. Causes of cataracts Opacification or gradual sclerosis of the lens occurs naturally with aging . However, cataracts can have other causes , like: Eye trauma; Diabetes; Medicines; Intraocular inflammations and infections; Genetic diseases. When it has causes other than aging, cataracts are called secondary. Symptoms of cataracts Usually the symptoms associated with cataracts evolve slowly. Regardless of the cause, there may be: Blurred or cloudy vision; Sensitivity, aberrations and abnormal reflections with the lights, especially at night, which can interfere, for example, with driving; Reduction of contrast or color discrimination; Need for frequent and unsatisfactory change in eyeglass graduation. When the cataract progress, the levels of opacification and density can be very high and make vision difficult for all daily tasks. Ultimately, cataracts can lead to blindness . Cataract treatment Cataract treatment is a surgery in which, in short, the natural lens is replaced by an intraocular lens. There is no medical treatment (in drops or pills, for example) that is effective for cataract. Fortunately, there has been huge technological developments in eye surgery in recent years. Currently, cataract surgery is performed under local anesthesia, using a microscope, using meticulous microincision techniques, ultrasound-assisted emulsification, without the need for sutures. The requirements and surgical detail is high, but the success rate of cataract surgery has also increased. Both the surgery itself and the recovery are now much faster. Simultaneously, there has been a huge evolution in the quality of intraocular lenses that replace the opaque natural lens. These intraocular lenses increasingly provide visual acuity and quality, and in some cases allow the correction or attenuation of associated refractive errors (for example, myopia, hyperopia). Thus, after cataract surgery, there may be less dependence on glasses. The success of cataract surgery, the good results achieved and the low rates of complications, make it possible to resolve most cataract cases in a timely and safe manner, before the evolution to complex situations of very dense cataracts and complicated convalescence, as was the case in the past. . In selected cases, for example, with reduced vision due to significant myopia or hyperopia, lens surgery can be anticipated (implant-refractive surgery) in order to favor quality and visual acuity without glasses. The Hospital da Luz network offers the most advanced microsurgical technologies, modern phacoemulsification devices and the most sophisticated intraocular lenses, as well as a differentiated and experienced team of ophthalmology. Meet the ophthalmology team from Hospital da Luz network and book your consultation . The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
