Short summary
Progressive and irreversible, cataract is an eye disease typical of the elderly, which consists in the gradual opacification of the lens.
To understand...
Just like the lens of a camera, the lens plays a fundamental role in focusing an image. It is a transparent structure, covered by an elastic and very resistant collagen capsule: by transforming its curvature ("accommodation" process), the lens allows images to reach the retina always sharp and precise.
Diagnosis
To treat cataracts it is first of all essential to ascertain the pathology by subjecting itself as soon as possible to a specialist eye examination. The ocular examination performed with the slit lamp (after instillation of a mydriatic eye drop) is essential to diagnose this type of disorder: this instrument, consisting of a light source and a magnifying glass, allows the ophthalmologist to analyze the internal structures of the anterior part of the eye (iris, cornea, crystalline and the space between the cornea and the crystalline).
Besides the slit lamp examination, the patient is generally subjected to complementary checks, such as the visual acuity test and retinal examination.
Medical therapy
In the past it was widely believed that the instillation of eye drops for long periods could somehow block the evolution of cataracts, thus stopping the opacification of the lens.
However, it seems that none of the currently marketed pharmacological substances can completely block the progression of the disorder.
Despite what has been said, although it cannot reverse or block the cataract, it has been shown that topical administration (through the instillation in the eye) of substances such as Sodium dihydroazapentacene polysulfonate can actually slow down the evolution of the disease. From what is reported in the prestigious scientific journal Biochemistry, also the topical administration of the substance N-acetylcarnosine seems effective in the treatment of some eye disorders, including cataract.
Surgery
The only solution to definitively cure cataracts is surgery.
Curiosity
Probably, cataract surgery is the most performed surgery in all countries of the world.
The intervention consists in the removal of the opaque lens and the subsequent replacement with a special artificial lens (implant).
This type of operation, the result of the most modern and refined micro-surgical technology, has now become a routine, safe, effective and - above all - decisive intervention.
The "new" lens, correctly positioned in the same position as the natural lens, will become an integral part of the eye, merging perfectly with the other ocular structures.
The operation is quite simple, so much so that it is often performed on an outpatient basis: just as it happens during an orthodontic session, the patient is laid out on an armchair or on an operating bed.
During surgery, the eye is simply anesthetized by the instillation of anesthetic drops (eg lidocaine) or by injecting the substance into the peribulbar region to desensitize the area (the patient, while remaining awake, does not feel pain during the operation) .
In general, the replacement of the opaque lens is performed according to a method known as "phacoemulsification": the surgeon uses a special ultrasound probe capable of crushing the crystalline lens. At the same time, the fragments of the "sick" lens are aspirated; the crystalline capsule (continuous membrane that surrounds it), on the other hand, is not affected during the operation as it will serve as a support for the new artificial lens.
The wound is sewn up with very few stitches, removed after a few weeks.
Risks related to the intervention
Cataract surgery is generally safe and when performed correctly by an expert hand it does not involve serious risks. However, the most feared complication, linked to this type of intervention, is the detachment of the retina.
The table lists the possible complications after the cataract treatment, distinguishing the risks in the immediate post-intervention and the possible long-term complications.
Risks in the immediate post-intervention (first 10-15 days) | Late risks |
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Despite the numerous complications described above, it should be emphasized that modern surgical technologies and the in-depth study of the eye disorder and anatomy significantly reduce the risks associated with surgery.
Prevention
To prevent cataract formation it is advisable to undergo regular eye checks, which should be performed with a certain frequency as the age progresses.
Although it is not yet completely clear if there is effective prevention for cataracts, experts advise to put into practice some very important rules to keep under control every possible form of ocular anomaly:
- No smoking: some studies have shown that certain infections and eye diseases (including cataracts) tend to occur more frequently in smokers than in those who do not smoke. According to this, we understand how quitting smoking is an important "protective" rule for the safety of the lens.
- Follow a healthy lifestyle: it is advisable to observe a regular diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, unrefined carbohydrates and foods rich in omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Practicing constant exercise and following a healthy and balanced diet prevent obesity, another risk factor for cataract formation.
- In the presence of diabetes, it is recommended to always keep the blood sugar under strict control: diabetes, in fact, is part of the long list of cataract risk factors.
- Always wear sunglasses before going out, even in the winter months: this attitude protects the eyes from the extremely dangerous UV rays of the sun.
- It seems that sleeping at least 7 hours per night is a good behavior to observe to avoid cataract formation.
