Зміст
The lens of the eye loses its transparency with age. Therefore, the elderly people most often suffer from cataracts. But the disease can affect anyone (for example, due to an eye injury). A symptom of cataracts is a constant deterioration in vision that makes it difficult to carry out daily activities. The only way to improve your vision is through surgery.
Can cataracts be treated pharmacologically?
In the early stages of the disease, the ophthalmologist usually prescribes eye drops to keep the lens from becoming cloudy. Increasingly, even at the initial stage of the disease, the doctor decides on the operation – the only effective method of getting rid of the problem.
The procedure consists of removing the clouded lens and replacing it with a completely new, artificial one (made of acrylic or silicone). The operation allows you to restore visual acuity, and its effect does not depend on whether you decide to do it in a public hospital or in a private clinic. In each case, the lens is selected individually.
During cataract surgery, it is also possible to get rid of refractive errors (myopia or myopia). Then multifocal lenses are implanted.
How does ultrasound cataract removal work?
The procedure takes only 15–20 minutes and is completely safe. The surgeon makes two holes in the eye tissue with a scalpel. In the first, he places a device that emits ultrasonic waves. They break the cloudy lens. In the second of the holes, the doctor places a microscopic vacuum cleaner, with which he sucks up its fragments. In place of the removed lens, the doctor inserts a synthetic lens. The incisions are so small that they close without leaving scars.
You can go home 3 hours after the operation, but it is very important to strictly follow the recommendations of the ophthalmologist. You should use multiple types of eye drops for at least 3 weeks and avoid strenuous activity, especially lifting, running, and sharp bends.
Laser cataract surgery
The doctor does not use a scalpel during cataract surgery using the most advanced LenSx laser. For this reason, it can be considered the least invasive procedure. However, remember that other methods are also associated with minimal risk of complications. The laser beam cuts, grinds and helps to precisely remove lens clouding. The LenSx laser is the gentlest cataract surgery method, which adjusts the laser beams to each eye individually.
Symptoms suggestive of cataracts
At the initial stage of cataracts, symptoms are absent or may resemble myopia or hyperopia (however, vision is not corrected with glasses). As the disease progresses, you see a slightly blurry image, which is especially noticeable when you are in a very bright room. There is also double vision. A symptom characteristic of cataracts is the whitish color of the pupil of the eye, which is the result of damage to the so-called cortical and nuclear layers of the eye.
How to protect your eyes?
Supplement your diet with antioxidants (most of them are in blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries). Provide plenty of vitamin A (in egg yolks, butter, vegetables, nuts) and vitamin C (most in silage, citrus fruits). Studies show that people with cataracts have up to 50 times less vitamin C in their blood than healthy people.
When going outside on a sunny day, wear sunglasses, always with sunscreen and safety certifications. Only they limit the access of UV rays to the eyeball.
Take care of your eyes when you suffer from metabolic disorders – diabetes, atherosclerosis, obesity.
According to many ophthalmologists, cataracts are caused by what is known as oxidative stress. The accumulation of free radicals leads to clouding of the lens of the eye and deterioration of vision. Antioxidants can reverse oxidative stress and get rid of free radicals. Thus, nutrients are needed to prevent cataracts. Below are tips on how to treat cataracts.
Castor oil
Castor oil is one of the most effective natural remedies for cataracts. It is very rich in antioxidants, especially vitamin E, vitamin C and fatty acids. Many cataract sufferers have achieved excellent results with castor oil. How to use the oil? Just put a couple drops of castor oil in each corner of your eye at night before bed.
Treatment should last 3–6 months for the cataract to disappear and vision to recover. For safety reasons, use suitable certified cold pressed oil.
Coconut water
Coconut water is also effective in treating cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Water or juice contains powerful antioxidants that quickly destroy free radicals. It also contains high amounts of magnesium, potassium, and other nutrients that help to weaken the lens and become clear again.
How to use coconut water? Coconut water or coconut juice should be fresh from young fruits, not ripe ones (this is important). Using a pipette, add 3–4 drops of water to each eye, then lie down and apply a warm compress to your eyes. Leave the compress on for 10 minutes.
