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A cataract is a covering that develops over the natural lens of the eye. The clouding lies behind the iris and the pupil of the eye and impairs normal eyesight leading to vision problems. The covering called cataract needs to be removed for enabling normal vision.

How does a cataract form?

The major part of the lens in eyes is made of water and protein. The protein is arranged in such a manner that we can see clearly. With age, the protein gets clumped together and forms a cloud over a small area of the lens. With time, this cloud grows larger and makes it impossible to see clearly.

Three types of cataracts

Subcapsular cataract starts forming behind the lens. Diabetic patients as well as people suffering from retinitis pigmentosa or high farsightedness and even people on high doses of steroids are prone to develop this kind of a cataract.

Cortical cataract forms in the lens cortex normally. This clouding extends its spokes from outside the lens towards the centre. Diabetic people are vulnerable to such cataracts.

Nuclear cataract develops in the nucleus, or the centre of the lens.

Why it happens?

It has not been known for sure why cataracts occur. Research and studies are on to find out the reason behind formation of cataracts. Some studies have found that exposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun cause cataracts, so it’s advisable to wear broad-brimmed hats and sunglasses when out in the sun.

Diabetes is also an ailment that makes the patient prone to cataracts. Heavy consumption of alcohol, air pollution and cigarette smoke may also result in development of cataracts.

Symptoms

Certain common symptoms associated with development of cataracts include:

- Poor night vision
- Blurry vision
- Colors appear to be faded
- Seeing multiple images or double vision
- Sunlight may appear to be too bright

Detection of cataract

A comprehensive eye test is required for the detection of cataract. Visual acuity test measures the capacity of vision at different distances.

Dilated eye exam uses drops to widen and dilate the pupils and then the specialist examines the retina as well as the optical nerve for damage signs in the eye.

Tonometry detection is the process in which the specialist uses a device to measure the pressure inside the eye. Numbing drops can be applied to the eye when undergoing this test.

Treatment

With the symptoms showing, new glasses, magnification, strong bifocals, appropriate lighting and other visual aids can help you see better.

Replacing the clouded natural lens, an intraocular lens (IOL) is placed. This filters out blue light which can be harmful for the eye. Surgery should be the last step when the cataracts have progressed to an extent that your vision is impaired considerably. The surgery is painless and simple and is normally highly successful in restoring vision.

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Laser eye correction corrects your vision problem so that you do not need to wear spectacles or contact lenses. If you have lovely eyes and do not want to hide them behind glasses, this is the best option for you. Laser eye surgery is a common treatment for correction of vision problems that occur due to refractive errors. Victims of astigmatism, myopia and hyperopia can opt for laser treatments. Presbyopia, which is just a part of ageing, can also be treated by laser eye surgery.

The procedures of laser eye correction

In laser eye surgery, the surgeon makes permanent changes to the shape of the cornea with the help of a laser device, normally the Excimer laser. A ray of ultraviolet light is used for the purpose of vaporizing the tissue.

The Excimer laser surgeries are of two kinds; one is Laser Assisted in situ Keratomileusis (LASIK), and the other is Photo-Refractive Keractectomy (PRK). Other recent developments in laser eye correction include procedures like the Epi-LASIK and Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis (LASEK).

The procedure details

LASIK eye correction procedure is complex; the surgeon cuts a flap in the cornea to remove measured amounts of tissue from the layers inside the cornea with the help of computer-guided laser. The advanced Wavefront technology provides the surgeon a detailed look of the eye helping him to maintain accuracy. After surgery, the flap is put back. Post-surgery, the eyes of the patient heals faster than other procedures and the pain is also less. The patient may experience poor quality of night vision.

PRK laser eye correction works by the removal of the outer layer of the cornea by a surgical blade or a blunt device. Small amounts of tissue present under the cornea surface are vaporized by using the laser beam. With the reshaping of the cornea, eye correction occurs. Post-surgery there can be moderate or severe pain as well as hazy vision in the first week.

LASEK is a variation of the PRK and LASIK laser eye corrections. Here, the surgeon cuts the outer layer of the patient’s cornea with a sharp blade. Alcohol is used for lifting the cornea in a single layer. Laser beam is applied on the tissue underneath the epithelium. After the surgery, the epithelium is put back in place. Post-surgery, the patient takes three weeks to heal. This can have certain complications associated with the PRK and LASIK laser eye surgery procedures.

Epi-LASIK is a modified kind of LASEK procedure. The difference is the cornea’s outer layer is removed using a blunt instrument instead of the sharp blade.

What you must know

Laser eye correction surgical treatments do not come for cheap. These surgical procedures are becoming more expensive over the years. No matter what, always undergo laser eye surgery after a thorough discussion with a reputed doctor. If you are into sports, tell your doctor that; post-surgery there might be a problem of dislocating the flap if hit on the face when playing.

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