Cataracts are a condition of the eye.

Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
Updated on September 05, 2024
00:00
00:00

Cataracts are degenerative changes causing a decline in optical quality, which are due to the decreased transparency or color change of a structure in the eye called the lens. The pathogenesis of cataracts is quite complex, resulting from the long-term combined effects of various internal and external factors on the lens. The lens is situated in the fluid environment of the eye, and any factor impacting this environment, such as aging, genetics, metabolic abnormalities, trauma, radiation, poisoning, localized nutritional disorders, as well as certain systemic metabolic or immune diseases, can directly or indirectly damage the tissue structure of the lens, interfere with its normal metabolism, and cause the lens to become opaque.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Min
Ophthalmology
46sec home-news-image

Is cataract easy to treat?

If you are diagnosed with cataracts, we generally use surgical methods nowadays. Our surgical approach typically involves cataract phacoemulsification combined with the implantation of an artificial lens. If you have a simple case of cataracts without any other eye diseases—such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, or central retinal vein occlusion—the outcome after surgery is generally good. As for the eye drops for treating cataracts advertised on TV, like Sharp Eye Love, their effectiveness is not very certain in our medical practice. Currently, the main method of treating cataracts is still through surgery.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Peng Xi Feng
Ophthalmology
45sec home-news-image

What department should I go to for cataracts?

The department for cataract consultations is ophthalmology. Various factors such as aging, genetics, local nutritional disorders, immune and metabolic abnormalities, trauma, poisoning, radiation, etc., can cause metabolic disturbances in the lens, leading to the denaturation of lens proteins and resulting in opacity, known as cataracts. At this time, light is obstructed by the cloudy lens and cannot be projected onto the retina, causing blurred vision. This condition is commonly seen in individuals over forty years old, and the incidence increases with age. The disease can also be divided into congenital cataracts and acquired cataracts.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Deng Jiang Tao
Ophthalmology
1min 5sec home-news-image

Consequences of not undergoing cataract surgery

First, it is important to understand what cataracts are. Cataracts are the clouding of the lens cortex, which commonly refers to the gradual whitening of the central pupil area, the black part of the eye. Cataracts, based on their stage of development, are divided into early, middle, and late stages. In the early stage of cataract, the vision is slightly impaired. In the middle stage, the cortex becomes moderately clouded, and vision might still be around 0.4 or 0.5. In the late stage, the cataract is severely matured, generally with vision lower than 0.3. Cataract in its early and middle stages might not necessarily require immediate surgery. However, in late stages, when vision drops below 0.3, surgery should be considered. If not treated surgically, the mature cataract can completely block light, progressively decreasing vision and eventually leading to blindness. Therefore, it is advisable to consider surgical treatment for cataracts in the late stage.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Hu Shu Fang
Ophthalmology
44sec home-news-image

What is good to eat for cataracts?

Research shows that cataracts are related to the lack of certain trace elements, vitamin B, vitamin C, and amino acids. Therefore, we should eat more vegetables, fruits, fish, meat, and animal organs that contain the above substances in our diet. The diet should be light, avoiding greasy, heavily salted foods and strong spices. At the same time, smoking and alcohol should be avoided to cultivate good eating habits and maintain balanced nutrition. Additionally, it is important to rest and boost one's immunity, which are beneficial for preventing cataracts and inhibiting their progression.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Hu Shu Fang
Ophthalmology
34sec home-news-image

What are the symptoms of cataracts?

Cataracts are caused by the clouding of the lens, leading to a decline in vision. Early symptoms include blurred vision, sometimes seeing black spots, and some patients report a significant decrease in vision in dim light, with both near and distant vision being unclear. As cataracts progress, the decline in vision becomes more pronounced, severely affecting the quality of life. Some patients with cataracts may also experience double vision, changes in color perception, and a significant decrease in vision, requiring surgical treatment.