How do cataracts form and what are the primary treatment approaches?

 How do cataracts form and what are the primary treatment approaches?

 

Cataracts form when the normal transparency of the human eye lens is lost, causing it to become opaque. A cataract is defined as the opacification of the lens and/or its capsule. While the human lens is normally transparent, this opacification typically occurs with aging. Although even a newborn can develop a cataract, the most common type is the senile cataract, which affects the older population.

The primary treatment approach for cataracts is surgery, which has seen significant advancements.

Historically:

•Cataracts "used to be removed in toto," meaning entirely.

•A rigid intraocular lens (IOL) was then placed inside the eye.

With modern medical advances and technology, cataract surgeries have become more precise, safer, and result in faster recovery times. Current treatment approaches include:

•Keyhole procedures: Surgeries are generally performed as keyhole procedures, involving a small incision of less than 3 mm.

•Ultrasound energy: Ultrasound energy is used to remove cataracts.

•Femto surgeries: These are blade-less and needle-less surgeries where a laser breaks the cataract into small pieces.

•Phacoemulsification: After the laser breaks the cataract into small pieces, they are then easily removed by phacoemulsification.

•Advanced Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): There has been significant evolution in IOLs.

◦Instead of rigid IOLs, foldable IOLs are now used.

◦A variety of foldable IOLs are available, including monofocal, modified monofocal, extended depth of focus IOL, trifocal, and toric IOLs.

◦The specific type of IOL is chosen based on the patient's individual needs and is implanted after the cataract is removed.

Patients who undergo these advanced surgeries typically recover very fast, often able to resume their routine daily activities in a day or two.