Ophthalmologists strive to treat the symptoms of cataracts before the patient's condition deteriorates and he loses his sight completely. Treatment includes several methods, the best of which is to perform a cataract removal operation, which contributes to treating the symptoms resulting from the formation of cataracts in the eye. In Dalili Medical, we will review the symptoms of cataracts, their causes, and treatment methods, in addition to ways to prevent their risks to the eye.

**Definition of cataracts**

 

Cataracts are also known as cataracts, which is a disease that affects the eye and causes cloudiness in the internal lens. This condition leads to blurred vision due to a disturbance in the composition of the protein materials found in the eye fluid. Blurred vision results from the inability of light to pass properly through the internal lens, as the light beam gathers after being reflected and falling on the cornea of ​​the eye and refracted. The lens focuses the light rays on the retina, where they are converted into nerve signals that are sent to the vision center in the brain. In this way, the vision process takes a fraction of a second.

Can cataracts be treated with honey?

 

Honey has many benefits for the eye, as it is a natural moisturizer, helps prevent infection, and protects the eye from dryness. Honey also helps treat viral eye infections. However, there are not enough studies yet to support the idea of ​​treating cataracts with honey.

Can cataracts be treated with herbs?

 

Although there is no definitive cure for cataracts using herbs, some types may help slow the progression of the disease, such as ginkgo, basil, and amla. However, we cannot confirm the effectiveness of turmeric or onions in treating cataracts unless scientific research proves it.

Is cataract surgery painful?

 

There is no need to worry, cataract surgery usually does not cause pain. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, either through drops or an injection into the eye, which makes the patient not feel any discomfort during the procedure. You may feel some pressure or movement in the eye, but there will be no pain. The patient is also given a sedative to relieve any feelings of anxiety or stress. Cataract surgery takes about 15 to 30 minutes maximum, and often does not require stitches or bandages. Our doctors perform this surgery in 5 minutes per eye.

What is the success rate of cataract surgery?

 

Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful eye surgeries worldwide, with a success rate ranging between 95% and 99% at Maadi Specialized Eye Center. This means that most patients are able to regain their good vision without the need for glasses, while some may need reading glasses after the surgery, depending on the type of lens implanted. This surgery also contributes to improving their quality of life and increasing their self-confidence after getting rid of the problem that was troubling them. However, like any surgery, cataract surgery carries some risks and potential complications, including:

- Inflammation or infection in the eye.

- High eye pressure.

- Retinal detachment.

- Opacity of the lens capsule.

- Slipping or breaking of the lens or its movement from its natural position.

- Blurry or blurred vision.

- Seeing rings or lines around light sources.

- Sensitivity to light or eyelid inflammation.

**Types of cataracts**

Cataracts are classified based on their location in the lens into several types, as follows:

1. **Central cataract**: It affects the center of the lens, where the patient suffers from blurry vision for distant objects, while vision for nearby objects is clear (myopia). As the condition progresses, vision may deteriorate completely.

2. **Peripheral cataract**: The infection begins in the form of white lines on the outer edge of the lens, then gradually extends to the center of the lens.

. **Posterior cataract**: It begins as a small spot in the back of the lens, affecting the patient's ability to read and see in bright light.

. **Genetic cataract**: Children may be born with this type, or it may appear in early childhood. The cause may be an infection that the fetus was exposed to before birth or as a result of an eye injury.

. **Congenital cataracts**: Some children may be born with this condition due to congenital defects in the lens of the eye, which may result from the mother’s exposure to risk factors during pregnancy, such as smoking, or due to genetic factors.

**Senile cataract** Senile cataracts are the most common type of cataracts in the eye. This disease is associated with aging, as the lens of the eye gradually loses its transparency and flexibility with age.

**Traumatic cataract** Direct, severe injuries to the eye increase the risk of developing cataracts. Exposure to such injuries can damage the lens of the eye or the surrounding capsule, which increases the likelihood of developing cataracts.

**Radiation cataract** Some individuals can develop cataracts as a result of continuous exposure to ultraviolet sunlight or radiation therapy used to treat cancer.

*Secondary cataract** Cataracts can affect individuals as a complication of chronic diseases, such as diabetes. The relationship between diabetes and cataracts has been studied. Diabetics are two to five times more likely to develop cataracts than healthy people, due to the changes that the disease causes in the layers of the eye, including the lens. In addition, secondary cataracts may result from previous eye surgeries, such as retinal detachment, or from excessive use ofEye drops containing cortisone.

**Secondary cataract** Cataracts can affect individuals as a complication of chronic diseases, such as diabetes. The relationship between diabetes and cataracts has been discussed, indicating that diabetics are two to five times more likely to develop cataracts than healthy people, due to the changes that this disease causes in the layers of the eye, including the lens. In addition, secondary cataracts may result from previous eye surgeries, such as retinal detachment surgeries, or from excessive use of eye drops containing cortisone.

Does cataract surgery take long?

 

Cataract surgery takes a short time, as it takes only 10 to 15 minutes, and the patient is allowed to return home the same day.

Can cataracts be treated with eye drops?

 

The answer is no, as there are no eye drops that can prevent or treat cataracts. The doctor recommends using glasses to improve vision if the cataracts are not causing symptoms for the patient. But if cataracts affect the patient's ability to perform daily activities, surgery is considered the final solution to remove cataracts.

Do cataract treatment methods differ between children, adolescents, and the elderly?

 

The best way to treat cataracts at all ages is to perform surgery, where the water is removed from the eye within a maximum of a quarter of an hour. The patient stays in the hospital for a short period to recover after the operation. There are several types of surgeries that a doctor can perform to treat cataracts in the eye.

Does cataracts cause blindness?

 

Yes, if cataracts are not treated appropriately and in a timely manner, they can lead to loss of vision and blindness.

When do cataracts become dangerous?

 

Cataracts are dangerous when they significantly affect a person's vision and significantly impede vision, and the patient may need to undergo surgery to remove the cataracts. You can read more about the risks of cataract surgery.

Can cataracts be cured without surgery?

 

Some types of cataracts can be treated with medication, but in many cases, surgical treatment is the best option to remove the cataracts and restore vision.

**Causes of cataracts**

. **Eye strain**: Excessive use of the eyes, such as working for long periods in front of a computer or focusing too much on reading or writing, can cause the cornea to swell and fluid to collect in it.

. **Contact lenses**: Wearing contact lenses for long periods or using inappropriate lenses may contribute to fluid accumulation in the cornea.

. **Keratitis**: Inflammation of the cornea can cause it to swell and fluid to collect, leading to the appearance of cataracts.

. **Age**: Aging is one of the most prominent causes of cataracts, as the likelihood of changes in the lens of the eye and loss of its transparency increases over time.

. **Exposure to ultraviolet rays**: It is believed that continuous exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun may increase the risk of cataracts.

**Genetic factors**: Some cases of cataracts may be caused by genetic and hereditary factors.

. **Previous injury or surgery**: Previous eye injuries or surgeries may increase the risk of cataracts.

. **Other diseases and health factors**: Some diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure may contribute to an increased risk of developing cataracts.

**The difference between cataracts and glaucoma**

 

After learning about the symptoms of cataracts and glaucoma, you have certainly noticed the significant differences between these two diseases, both in terms of causes and symptoms.

As for the causes, cataracts affect the patient as a result of a defect in the composition of the lens and the proteins that make it up, and this may occur due to aging, or as a result of a direct injury to the eye, or as a genetic condition that some children may be born with. As for glaucoma, it occurs as a result of high eye pressure, which is often caused by blockage of the fluid drainage channels inside the eye.

As for the symptoms, the symptoms of cataracts are very clear in those affected, and can be easily noticed even by those around the patient. On the contrary, those affected by glaucoma may not feel the presence of the disease until their vision is greatly affected, or they lose part of their field of vision, or reach the stage of complete blindness.

Do the symptoms of cataracts appear in one eye or both?

 

In most cases, both eyes are affected by cataracts at the same time, leading to a decrease in the overall level of vision and symptoms appearing in both eyes. However, in rare cases, only one eye may be affected, in which case symptoms appear in the affected eye only.

Symptoms of cataracts in case of infection?

 

Infection is a possible side effect that the patient may experience during surgery or during the recovery period after it. Although it is not serious, it can be treated with some medications and antibiotics. Symptoms appear in the form of:

- High temperature.

- Redness of the eye with swelling of the eyelid.

- Purulent secretions coming out of the eye.

Is surgery dangerous?

 

Cataract surgery is a simple surgical procedure performed on the eye using laser beams, where the damaged lens is broken up and replaced with an artificial lens that suits the patient's condition.

All stages of the operation are performed under the influence of local anesthesia, which ensures that the patient does not feel pain except for the first ten seconds, where he may feel slight pressure on his eyes.

In general, the surgery does not pose any risk to patientsHowever, it is important for patients to take their time in choosing the right doctor and medical center, and to ensure that approved sterilization protocols are followed to prevent infection.

**What is the effect of cataracts on colors?**

 

One of the strange symptoms of cataracts is its effect on color perception. A cataract patient finds it difficult to distinguish between the colors blue and black, due to the lens changing color to yellow or brown after the injury. These two colors prevent the blue color from passing through the lens. Interestingly, some cases are diagnosed with cataracts when the patient is noticed wearing socks of two different colors, such as black and blue, but he sees them as one color.

**Degrees of cataracts affecting vision**

Cataracts are common, with most people developing some degree of the disease after the age of fifty. However, the progression of the disease is very slow, and it may take years for symptoms to appear clearly. Cataract symptoms can affect vision in varying degrees, as there may be no symptoms at first except for mild blurring. At this stage, the patient's vision is not affected, and vision problems can be treated with eyeglasses or contact lenses, or by performing a vision correction surgery.

**What are the symptoms of cataracts?**

 

- **Blurred vision (fog)** Blurred vision is one of the most prominent symptoms of cataracts. The patient feels that there is a cloudiness or opacity on the lens, which makes him see as if he is looking through fog or unclean glass. The patient suffers from this problem even when using eyeglasses or contact lenses, which negatively affects his lifestyle and makes him feel embarrassed. The location of the opacity in the field of vision can vary depending on the type of cataract the patient suffers from. In the case of nuclear cataracts, the opacity is in the middle of the field of vision, while in cortical or peripheral cataracts, the opacity appears on both sides of the field of vision. The latter type may not affect the patient's ability to see to the same extent as the first type.

**- Sensitivity to light** Sensitivity to light is a common symptom of cataracts, as the patient feels discomfort or pain when exposed to lights, and this is especially evident while driving at night. In this case, the driver is faced with intense oncoming car lights, making driving in such conditions dangerous.

*- Difficulty seeing at night**The opacity or fogging of the eye lens reduces visual acuity. Therefore, in the absence of sufficient lighting, the patient may find it difficult to see surrounding objects clearly.

- Seeing halos around light sources**When your car windows are dirty or not clean enough, you may notice halos around light sources you encounter while driving. This feeling is similar to what people with cataracts experience, where they see circles or halos surrounding any illuminated object.

- Yellowing of colors**Yellowing of colors is one of the annoying symptoms experienced by cataract patients, where colors appear faded or yellowish due to the presence of a yellow spot in the field of vision.

**- Difficulty reading and distinguishing faces**If you have seen an elderly person suffering from cataracts, you may be familiar with this symptom. You may notice that the affected person tries to bring the book closer to his eyes because he has difficulty separating words, or that the fog he suffers from prevents him from seeing words clearly.

You may also notice that the grandchildren are standing in front of the grandfather with cataracts, but he cannot distinguish them from each other because of the blurred vision of their faces. These symptoms are among the most prominent signs of cataracts in the eye, and this condition may lead to what is known as double vision, where visible objects overlap with each other.

- **Color fading**: This is another symptom of cataracts, where the affected person feels that colors appear faded or dusty. This occurs as a result of the color of the eye lens changing from transparent to yellow, which affects how light is reflected on the retina.

- **Double vision in the affected eye**: This is a rare symptom of cataracts, where the affected person sees two images of the same thing in the same eye. This occurs due to the presence of opaque areas in the eye lens, which causes light to refract at different angles.

- Seeing colored rings or lines around light sources**: This phenomenon is another rare symptom of cataracts, where the affected person notices colored rings or lines surrounding light sources, such as lamps or the sun. This occurs as a result of light scattering at the edge of the opaque lens in the eye.

**Methods of preventing cataracts**

The damage caused by cataracts to the eye is multiple and numerous, as it negatively affects a person's daily life and causes constant headaches and blurred vision. Although cataracts cannot be completely avoided, some guidelines can be followed that may help delay or slow the onset of symptoms associated with them. These guidelines include:

. **Reducing and slowing down the oxidation process**: By eating a healthy diet that includes fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, in addition to taking vitamin C, which is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants when present in high concentrations in the body.

. **Wearing sunglasses or wide-brimmed hats**: To protect the eyes from ultraviolet rays. Many studies indicate that exposure to these rays can accelerate the onset of cataract symptoms.

. **Regular eye examination**: A person may have cataracts without realizing it, especially in the early stages. Therefore, conducting periodic eye examinations helps in early detection of the infection, allowing him to follow the necessary health guidelines to slow the development of symptoms.

**Types of lenses used in the cataract processAh white**

The types of lenses used in cataract surgery vary depending on the patient's condition, including:

. **Monofocal lens**: This is known as such because it has one focal length, allowing the eye to see only near objects. Therefore, the patient needs to wear glasses to see distant objects.

. **Multifocal lens**: These lenses have several focal lengths, enabling the patient to see near and far objects clearly.

. **Refractive lens**: It is preferable to use it in the case of astigmatism, which is an abnormal curvature of the cornea.

**Treatment of cataracts in the eye without surgery**

 

**Onions as a treatment for cataracts**Onions are considered one of the natural treatments that are believed to contribute to enhancing overall eye health, including treating cataracts. Onions are believed to contain powerful antioxidants, such as sulfur and flavonoids, which may help reduce inflammation and protect the lens from damage caused by oxidation. It is best to eat fresh onions or use them in cooking regularly as part of a healthy diet. However, it should be emphasized that onions are not considered a substitute for conventional medical treatment, and an ophthalmologist should be consulted before relying on any natural treatment for cataracts.

**Alternative medicine treatment for cataracts** Alternative medicine treatment for cataracts relies on the use of natural treatments and nutritional supplements that are believed to support eye health and improve its condition. Among these treatments are:

- **Herbs**: such as rosemary, which is believed to have antioxidant properties and may help protect the lens from damage. Ginseng can also be used to improve blood circulation in the eye.

Treatment of cataracts?

 

Although wearing glasses may be sufficient to treat cataracts in some patients, surgical intervention remains the best for a complete recovery from this disease, and a doctor should be visited immediately when any of the symptoms of cataracts appear.

**Surgical treatment for cataracts**

The surgical procedure for treating cataracts is known as cataract surgery. This procedure depends on replacing the damaged lens in the eye with a new artificial lens, which helps improve vision and restore it to its normal state. This procedure is also known as cataract surgery and lens implantation.

**Non-surgical cataract treatment**

Although most doctors confirm that non-surgical cataract treatment is not effective, it is still considered an option in early cases, especially with ongoing research to enhance the effectiveness of this option. Treatment is usually done using eye drops.

**Cataract treatment with drops**

Ways to improve the effectiveness of cataract treatment using drops, away from surgical options. A team of Chinese researchers confirmed that using a drop containing the compound "Anosterol" shows great effectiveness in reducing the severity of opacity in the lens. Here are the basic steps for performing cataract removal surgery:

1. The patient lies on the medical bed after entering the operating room.

2. The area surrounding the eye is completely sterilized to ensure cleanliness and prevent infection.

3. Install a special device to keep the eye opening open and fixed during the procedure.

4. Place a special drop in the eye to dilate the pupil, which facilitates access to the lens.

5. Use an anesthetic drop to relieve any pain during the procedure.

6. Making a small and precise surgical incision on the outer surface of the eye.

7. Breaking down the proteins accumulated in the lens using ultrasound.

8. Removing the damaged lens completely while preserving the lens capsule or its back area to accommodate the new lens.

9. Implanting a new lens to improve and enhance vision in place of the old lens.

10. Transferring the patient to the care room to receive the necessary post-operative instructions from the doctor, then he is allowed to return home on the same day.

These steps include the basic procedure for removing cataracts, and it is essential that the patient follows the necessary care instructions to ensure proper recovery and achieve the best results after the operation.