What is the meaning of word cataract?
noun. a descent of water over a steep surface; a waterfall, especially one of considerable size. any furious rush or downpour of water; deluge. Ophthalmology. an abnormality of the eye, characterized by opacity of the lens.
How do you explain a cataract to a patient?
A cataract is a condition in which the lens of an eye becomes cloudy and affects vision. Most commonly, cataracts occur in older people, and they usually develop gradually. Cataracts can usually be treated with a day-case operation, where the cloudy lens is removed and is replaced with an artificial plastic lens.
What are some examples of cataracts?
For example, you may notice that:
- Your vision is cloudy or blurry.
- Colors look faded.
- You can’t see well at night.
- Lamps, sunlight, or headlights seem too bright.
- You see a halo around lights.
- You see double (this sometimes goes away as the cataract gets bigger)
- You have to change the prescription for your glasses often.
What are the 3 types of cataracts?
A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye that impairs vision. There are three main types of cataract: Nuclear Sclerotic, Cortical and Posterior Subcapsular. The types of cataracts are classified based on where and how they develop in the eye.
What is the main cause of cataract?
Most cataracts develop when aging or injury changes the tissue that makes up the eye’s lens. Proteins and fibers in the lens begin to break down, causing vision to become hazy or cloudy. Some inherited genetic disorders that cause other health problems can increase your risk of cataracts.
Can cataract be cured?
There is no way to cure or get rid of cataracts once they’ve formed besides cataract surgery. No medication can eliminate existing cataracts, and no eyewear can completely counteract their effects. Some ophthalmologists are seeking nonsurgical solutions, but at this time, no other solution has been found.
At what stage should cataracts be removed?
In most cases, you need surgery when blurry vision and other symptoms of a cataract starts to interfere with daily activities like reading or driving. There is no drug or eye drop to prevent or treat cataracts. Removing them is the only treatment.
How do you care for a cataract patient?
What can caregivers do to help a loved one with a cataract? Be sure seniors 60 and older have a comprehensive, dilated eye exam at least every two years. Adjusting the lens strength or shape of glasses and contact lenses can help with the vision limits of cataracts. Confirm that elders get regular medical checkups.
Can cataracts go away on their own?
While some cataracts may stop progressing, they will never go away on their own. In many patients, they will continue to grow and can cause blindness. While cataracts aren’t reversible, some surgeries can remove them and place an intraocular lens in its place to improve vision for patients in San Antonio, TX.
Can you get rid of cataracts without surgery?
No, you cannot reverse cataracts without surgery. Currently, there is no non-surgical cure for cataracts that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration or other government body medical procedure regulators.
Can you see cataracts in the mirror?
If left untreated, a cataract will naturally continue to progress. In some cases, the maturing cataract becomes completely white and can be seen in the mirror or by others.