Reasons for Cataracts: Focusing on Acquired Causes

Hello everyone. Smile Eye Clinic is here to help you rediscover the joy of clear vision!

We're greeting you again on a Tuesday.

These days, we're seeing more hazy, dusty days than clear, sunny ones,

which reminds me of cataracts.

I'm sure there are some of you who are unfamiliar with cataracts.

So today, I'd like to explain the definition of cataracts

and the reasons why they occur.

To start with the definition of cataracts,

it's an eye disease where the transparent lens gradually becomes cloudy.

Light cannot pass through the cloudy lens properly,

scattering and causing blurred or dim vision, glare, or vision loss.

In the early stages, people may not notice cataract symptoms

or may confuse them with presbyopia (farsightedness due to aging),

leading to unintentional neglect.

If left untreated, this can make surgery difficult or

even lead to blindness,

so it's crucial to receive timely treatment and not miss the optimal surgical window.

So, do I currently have cataracts?

Self-diagnose for cataracts! - It becomes difficult to distinguish colors. - Objects appear doubled or overlapped even when looking with one eye. - You suddenly see well without reading glasses. - It's hard to distinguish people or objects at a distance. - Vision becomes blurrier and it's harder to open your eyes in bright sunlight.

If you experience three or more of these symptoms, you should suspect cataracts.

So, what are the reasons for cataracts?

The reasons for cataracts can be broadly divided into congenital and acquired.

Congenital causes include maternal infection, genetics, and chromosomal abnormalities.

Acquired causes include aging, diabetes, trauma, UV radiation, and certain medications.

While some cases of cataracts are congenital,

most cases are acquired, so we will focus on acquired causes.

Once the lens becomes cloudy, it cannot be restored to transparency,

so surgery is performed to remove the cloudy lens

and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).

There are various types of IOLs, so it's best to choose one through consultation with experienced medical professionals.

At Smile Eye Clinic, we consider the patient's eye condition,

lifestyle, and occupation

to provide personalized consultations and resolve cataracts with multifocal IOLs

that can also correct astigmatism.

Traditional monofocal IOLs could not correct vision at all distances; if they corrected distance vision,

patients unfortunately had to wear glasses for near work.

Smile Eye Clinic's multifocal IOLs

correct not only astigmatism but also cataracts and presbyopia,

improving vision at all distances – far, intermediate, and near –

and significantly reducing reliance on glasses.

There are various reasons for cataracts.

If left untreated,

it is a frightening eye disease that can lead to blindness,

so it's important to receive appropriate treatment at the right time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are cataracts?

Cataracts are an eye disease where the transparent lens gradually becomes cloudy. This can prevent light from passing through the lens properly, leading to symptoms such as blurred or dim vision, glare, and vision loss.

Is there a self-diagnosis method for cataracts?

Yes, there is a self-diagnosis method that can help you suspect cataracts. If you find it difficult to distinguish colors, see objects doubled when looking with one eye, or experience blurrier vision and difficulty opening your eyes in bright sunlight, you should suspect cataracts.

Why do cataracts occur?

Cataracts can be broadly divided into congenital and acquired. Congenital causes include maternal infection and genetics, while acquired causes primarily include aging, diabetes, trauma, UV radiation, and certain medications. Most cases are acquired.

How are cataracts treated?

Since a cloudy lens cannot be restored to transparency, cataract treatment involves surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). It is important to choose an appropriate IOL based on the patient's eye condition and lifestyle.

What are the advantages of multifocal intraocular lenses?

Multifocal intraocular lenses can correct not only astigmatism but also cataracts and presbyopia simultaneously. This has the advantage of improving vision at all distances – far, intermediate, and near – significantly reducing reliance on glasses.

What happens if cataract treatment is delayed?

Delaying cataract treatment can make surgery more difficult or even lead to blindness. Therefore, it is very important to get an early diagnosis and receive appropriate treatment in a timely manner if symptoms are suspected.