CATARACT

Introduction
A cataract is a clouding that develops in the crystalline lens of eye, resulting into slight to moderate opacity and obstruction for the passage of light. In Latin cataracta means waterfall(As rapidly running water turns white). ..\CATARACT INFO\cataract\cataract animation.flv.flv

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Cataract typically progresses slowly with age to cause vision loss and blindness, if untreated. Surgery is the only remedy. Early cataract surgery was developed by the Indian surgeon, Sushruta(6th century).

Causes
Most people develop cataract with age. Diseases such as diabetes. Long term use of topical medications like corticosteroids. Injury to an eye. Too much exposure to X-rays or sunlight.

Symptoms
Blurred vision. Poor vision at night or in very bright light. Difficulty in colour identification. (blue/ purple) Problem of driving at night because bright light coming from headlights. Poor distance vision.

lens
The lens is a clear part of the eye that helps to focus light, or an image, on the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.

Cont.. In a normal eye, light passes through the transparent lens to the retina. Once it reaches the retina, light is changed into nerve signals that are sent to the brain. The lens must be clear for the retina to receive a sharp image. If the lens is cloudy from a cataract, the image will be blurred.

Cataract development
Age related cataract develops in 2 ways. 1. Clumps of protein reduces the sharpness of image reaching the retina: As lens composed of water and proteins. When these proteins clumps up, it clouds the lens & reduces the light entering into the retina. Over the time this small cloudy area may get larger, & the cataract may increase in size.

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2. The clear lens changes to yellow/ brown colour (brownish tinting) Clear lens slowly colours with age, the vision may acquire a brownish shade. Over the time, increased tinting may make it difficult for reading & other routine activities. Ex. Person can not able to distinguish between blue & purple colour.

Types of cataract

Secondary cataract

Traumatic cataract

Congenital cataract

Radiation cataract

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1.Secondary cataract: the cataract which develops after surgery for other eye problems such as glaucoma or in patients suffering from diabetes or it may occur due to steroid use. 2. Traumatic cataract:-the cataract which develops after an eye injury. 3. Congenital cataract: the cataract which develops in babies/ children since from their birth. 4. Radiation cataract:- the cataract which develops after the exposure of radiations.

Treatment of cataract
The symptoms of early cataract may be improved with new eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses, or magnifying lenses. If these measures do not help, surgery is the only effective treatment. ..\CATARACT INFO\cataract\Cataract Surgery.avi

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1. Phacoemulsification(small incision cataract surgery.): A small incision is made on the side of the cornea. Doctor inserts a tiny instrument into the eye. This device emits ultrasound waves that soften and break up the lens so that it can be removed by suction. Most cataract surgery today is done by phacoemulsification.

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2. Extra capsular surgery:- longer incision are made on the side of the cornea and removes the cloudy core of the lens in one piece. The rest of the lens is removed by suction. It is then replaced by Intraocular Lens (IOL).

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During cataract surgery viscoelastic substance is needed which act as cushioning agent in order to protect endothelial cells from damaging. Itching, mild discomfort are common after cataract surgery, so anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly used after cataract surgery. In order to get rid off from infection topical antiinfective drugs are prescribed.

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