4 Types of Cataracts that can be cured with Phacoemulsification Surgery

Cataracts are a medical condition that causes the lens of the eye to become cloudy, blocking light from reaching the retina. The retina is the part of the eye responsible for converting light into signals that are sent to the brain, allowing us to see. When a cataract forms, vision becomes blurred, hazy, or cloudy, and in severe cases, it can lead to blindness. Cataracts usually develop slowly and without pain, often associated with aging, but they can occur at any age, even in newborns.

The primary cause of cataracts is the natural change in the structure of proteins within the lens of the eye as a person ages. However, in addition to aging, several factors can accelerate the formation of cataracts, including:

1. Aging: Age-related cataracts (senile cataracts) are the most common type. They typically start to develop in the 40s or 50s, though symptoms may not appear until the 60s or later.

2. UV Exposure: Exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun can damage the lens of the eye and speed up cataract development.

3. Eye Injuries: Trauma or injury to the eye can cause cataract formation.

4. Certain Diseases: Health conditions such as diabetes can increase the risk of cataracts. In people with diabetes, high blood sugar levels can cause the lens of the eye to swell and affect its clarity.

5. Use of Medications: Long-term use of steroid medications, such as corticosteroids, is known to cause cataracts.

6. Genetics: Some people inherit a higher risk of developing cataracts from their family.

7. Smoking: Smoking has been proven to increase the risk of cataracts. The toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke can damage the structure of the lens.

8. Alcohol Consumption: Excessive alcohol use is also linked to an increased risk of cataracts.

9. Unhealthy Lifestyle: A lack of essential nutrients, such as antioxidants (vitamins C and E), can accelerate eye damage and the development of cataracts.

In the early stages, cataracts may not cause noticeable symptoms, but over time, several signs begin to emerge:

1. Blurry or Cloudy Vision: One of the most common symptoms is blurry vision, as if looking through a fogged-up window.

2. Difficulty Seeing at Night: Cataracts often worsen vision in low-light environments, making it harder to drive at night.

3. Sensitivity to Bright Light (Glare): People with cataracts tend to be more sensitive to bright light and feel discomfort when exposed to sunlight or very bright lights.

4. Seeing Halos Around Lights: Halos or rings of light may appear around light sources, especially at night.

5. Double Vision in One Eye: Some individuals may experience double vision, where objects appear to have shadows or are seen in duplicate.

6. Faded Colors: Cataracts can make colors appear faded or more yellowish.

7. Frequent Prescription Changes: Those with cataracts may need to change their eyeglass prescription more often due to progressively worsening vision.

Cataracts are categorized based on their location and cause:

1. Nuclear Cataracts: This type occurs in the central (nucleus) part of the lens. It is the most common type in older adults. Vision may appear yellowish, and night vision tends to become more challenging.

2. Cortical Cataracts: This cataract affects the outer edges (cortex) of the lens, and symptoms often include glare and difficulty seeing bright lights.

3. Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts: Occurring at the back of the lens, this type tends to develop faster than other types and often affects younger people and those on long-term steroid treatment.

4. Congenital Cataracts: These cataracts are present in newborns or develop during childhood, usually due to genetic factors or infections during pregnancy.

While cataracts cannot always be entirely prevented, several steps can be taken to slow their progression:

1. Protecting Eyes from UV Light: Wearing sunglasses with UV protection when outdoors can protect the eyes from sunlight damage.

2. Quitting Smoking: Stopping smoking is an important step in maintaining eye health and reducing the risk of cataracts.

3. Controlling Health Conditions: Proper management of conditions like diabetes can reduce the risk of cataract formation.

4. Maintaining a Healthy Diet: A diet rich in antioxidants like vitamins C and E, and foods containing lutein and zeaxanthin (found in leafy green vegetables), can help protect eye health.

5. Using Eye Protection: If working in environments with eye injury risks, wearing protective eyewear can prevent trauma that could lead to cataracts.

 

The only effective way to treat cataracts is through surgery. No eye drops or medications can fully cure cataracts once they have formed. The treatment options are as follows:

1. Glasses or Contact Lenses: In the early stages, blurry vision can be managed with new glasses or contact lenses, though this is only a temporary solution, as the cataract will continue to progress.

2. Cataract Surgery: When vision is significantly impaired, doctors typically recommend cataract surgery. This procedure involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens known as an intraocular lens (IOL). Cataract surgery is a safe and common procedure with a high success rate.

   • Phacoemulsification: The most commonly used modern surgical technique. The doctor uses an ultrasonic device to break up the cloudy lens, then suctions it out and replaces it with an artificial lens.
   • Extracapsular Cataract Extraction: In more severe cases, the surgeon may use this method to remove the entire cloudy lens in one piece.

3. Post-Surgery Recovery: After surgery, recovery is usually quick. Patients may experience discomfort for a few days, but most people report significant improvement in vision within a few weeks. Doctors typically prescribe eye drops to prevent infection and reduce inflammation.

Cataracts are a common eye condition and the leading cause of blindness worldwide. While they are often associated with aging, many other factors can influence a person’s risk of developing cataracts. By taking preventive measures, such as protecting the eyes from UV light, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and quitting smoking, cataract development can be slowed. If cataracts begin to interfere with vision, surgery is a highly effective solution to restore sight and improve quality of life. Hermina friends can consult an Eye Specialist at Hermina Purwokerto Hospital.

Access to registration can be done in the following 4 ways:
1. Download the mobile application on Playstore (Type Hello Hermina)
2. Call Call Center 1500488
3. Via website -> www.herminahospitals.com
4. Via the Mobile JKN application

Reference :

1. American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)**. "What Are Cataracts?" Available at: [https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-are-cataracts](https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-are-cataracts)  
2. Mayo Clinic**. "Cataracts - Symptoms and Causes." Available at: [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353790](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cataracts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353790)
3. World Health Organization (WHO)**. "Cataract." Available at: [https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-vision-impairment](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-vision-impairment)
4. National Eye Institute (NEI)**. "Facts About Cataract." Available at: [https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts](https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts)
5. Johns Hopkins Medicine**. "Cataracts: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment." Available at: [https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/cataracts](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/cataracts)
6. National Health Service (NHS)**. "Cataract." Available at: [https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cataracts/](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cataracts/)