What is Cataract?

One of the biggest reasons or causes of cataract is injury or aging. In both the cases, there is a change in the tissue that forms the cataract in lens of the eye. Fibers and protein in the lens start to break down leading to cloudy or hazy vision.

Genetic or inherent disorders can also increase the risk of developing cataract. In addition, many other eye conditions can also cause eye cataract like diabetes, past eye surgeries, use of steroids or harsh medications.

It is best to treat eye cataract at early stages or it will get worse with time, affecting the person’s vision. However, if a person decides to wait for too long, there is a high chance that the cataract can become hyper-mature.

This makes the cataract more stubborn and difficult to remove, causing complications in surgery. Therefore, the moment you spot signs of cataract, get in touch with an ophthalmologist to undergo the surgery which is safe and effective.

Primarily, eye cataract can be divided into three types namely, posterior subcapsular cataracts, cortical cataracts, and nuclear sclerotic cataracts. To get a more detailed and comprehensive insight, let’s delve into them one by one:

• Nuclear sclerotic cataracts

This is the most common type of cataract that begins with a gradual hardening and yellowing of the primary zone which is also referred to as the nucleus. In nuclear sclerotic cataract, the eye’s ability to focus on close-up vision may improve for a brief period of time but not permanently.

• Cortical Cataracts

This type of cataract forms in the cortex and slowly extends from the outside to the centre of the lens. In some cases, when the light enters the eye, it scatters leading to glare, blurred vision, depth reception, and more. Also, when it comes to cortical cataract, diabetic patients are at a higher risk of developing it.

• Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts

This type of cataract affects an individual’s night vision and reading. It begins as a small cloudy area on the back surface or posterior of the lens. Additionally, since it forms below the lens capsule it is referred to as a subcapsular cataract.

Eye Cataract surgeries are outpatient procedures where a surgeon skilfully removes the clouded lens and replaces it with a clean, artificial lens or IOL. However, when it comes to choosing these artificial lenses, the patient can choose from a diverse range of options according to their requirement, comfort, and convenience.

The cost of eye cataract surgery depends on your health insurance coverage plan and lens option that you choose. Usually, eye cataract surgery is covered in most plans, however, some lens options may be an additional expense that you will have to pay.

To get a better insight into the total cost or cataract surgery, we suggest you get in touch with us via phone or email to book your appointment at the earliest.

Cataracts can develop in one or both eyes; however, they don’t necessarily affect both eyes at the same time. Cataracts eventually develop in both eyes, but initially, they can affect only one eye, and the progression can vary between eyes.

Yes. Eating foods that contain healthy vitamins C and E and lutein, zeaxanthin may reduce the risk of cataract progression naturally.

Cataracts are diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam that includes a visual acuity test, a slit lamp exam and potentially a dilated exam. The eye doctor will assess your vision, examine the lens for cloudiness and evaluate any other symptoms you might be experiencing.

The simple answer is yes; you can drive with cataracts only when confirmed by your doctor.

No, cataracts themselves cannot come back after surgery. Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial one. Artificial lenses cannot develop cataracts.

Doctors recommend getting screened for cataracts around the age of 40 and with frequent screenings (every 1-2 years) around the age of 60.