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Cataract

Cataract
 
A cataract corresponds to the clouding of the lens. The lens is crucial for sight and also for visual accommodation, i.e. the ability to switch between near and far focus.
Cataract is a common eye disease and the leading cause of visual impairment across the world (48% of cases).
 
The commonest cause of cataracts is age and therefore ageing. Also cataract can be related to a pre-existing eye disorder, chronic illnesses or result from eye injury (post-traumatic cataract). In children, cataract can also be congenital.
A number of factors increase the risk of developing cataracts, including smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and exposure to sunlight (ultraviolet rays).
 
To treat cataract, the only option is surgical treatment. Cataract surgery is a routine, effective procedure for restoring eyesight: find out about cataract symptoms, progression and recovery after surgery. 
 

What is cataract?
Definition

A cataract corresponds to the clouding of the lens. The lens is crucial for sight and also for visual accommodation, i.e. the ability to switch between near and far focus.
 
The commonest cause of cataracts is age and therefore ageing. Also cataract can be related to a pre-existing eye disorder, chronic illnesses or result from eye injury (post-traumatic cataract). In children, cataract can also be congenital.
A number of factors increase the risk of developing cataracts, including smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and exposure to sunlight (ultraviolet rays).
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How to treat cataract?
Medical care

There is no existing medical treatment for cataracts; the only treatment option is surgery.
It is a well-established technique and, in the majority of cases, has highly satisfactory results.
However, if there are no symptom or vision is only slightly affected, a cataract operation may not be necessary. In such cases, it may be sufficient simply to change the prescription of your glasses. 
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What are the symptoms of cataract?
Symptoms

The main symptoms of cataract are: 

  • Small blotches or tiny specks in the field of vision
  • Problems perceiving contrast, relief or colours
  • Seeing things as if through a veil

 

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