“Cataract” Doctors reveal that older people are at risk of getting it. Take precautions before you lose sight.
In the group of eye diseases that occur in our eyes, “cataracts” are considered the most common. In fact, this disease is not only found in the elderly. Young people can also get this disease from risk factors that we may not have known before, such as UV rays, smoking, or using certain types of drugs. Cataracts cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy, affecting vision. And if left untreated, it can lead to severe complications that cause loss of vision.
Today, Dr. Jiranan Traiptawiphonbun, an ophthalmologist and glaucoma specialist at the Eye Center, Vimut Hospital, will reveal the factors that trigger cataracts in young people. Along with warning signs of the disease and prevention methods before our eyes are not as clear as before.
What is “cataract”?
Cataracts are a type of eye disease caused by the degeneration of the lens of the eye. Causing the lens, which is normally clear, to become cloudy. Resulting in the optic nerve not being able to receive light fully, resulting in blurred vision or blurred vision.
Doctors warn that UV rays are dangerous and can accelerate the development of cataracts.
Cataracts can happen to anyone, but the rate of degeneration varies. Cataracts are usually caused by aging, and are most common in people over 50 years old. They can start to affect vision more when people are over 60 years old. People who are still young can also get this disease from other risk factors. Such as heavy smoking, previous eye surgery, steroid use, chronic diseases that affect eye health, or accidents to the เว็บพนันออนไลน์ UFABET สมัครง่าย โปรโมชั่นมากมาย eye area .
Dr. Jiranan Traiphuwiphonbun continued, “ Another risk that most people don’t know about is being in the sun often. In fact, UV rays, especially UVA rays, directly affect the deterioration of the eye lens. They stimulate free radicals that cause the protein in the eye lens to deteriorate and clump, or what we see as cloudiness in the eyes. Therefore, anyone who is in the sun regularly should always wear sunglasses. And they must be standard sunglasses with UV protection coating.”
Blurred vision, changes in vision, signs of “cataracts”
Changes in vision from cataracts are often difficult to notice. Because the symptoms occur gradually. Common symptoms are blurred vision and changes in vision after a long period of stability. “For people with a moderate amount of cloudiness in the eyes. If a flashlight is shined on them, the shadow of the iris will fall on the lens in the center of the black eye. For people with normal lens health, light will pass through well and there will be no shadow. People who are prone to cataracts should see an ophthalmologist for a detailed assessment,” added Dr. Jiranan Traipawipholboon.
Cataract surgery is currently easy and safe to treat.
Normally, ophthalmologists diagnose cataracts immediately without the need for further examination. In the future, AI software may be developed to help with initial diagnosis from eye photos. Which is beneficial for patients who are unable to visit the hospital. In addition, AI has been used to calculate the cost of artificial lenses to be inserted into patients. Increasing the accuracy of traditional calculations and helping to alert the danger zone during surgery.
Dr. Jiranan Traiphutthiphonbun explained the treatment, saying, ” Cataract treatment will be based on the severity of the symptoms. If the symptoms are minor and do not interfere with vision, the symptoms can be monitored. However, if they start to affect vision, there are several treatment methods. The first is using antioxidant eye drops , which can delay the development of cataracts, but it does not completely cure them.
Another method is to replace the artificial lens with surgery, which is the best method because there are currently premium lenses that help with vision at various distances and reduce light interference, although they cannot completely replace the natural lens. In addition, laser surgery is also used, which is mostly used only in patients with weak lens capsules or those whose lenses are too hard to be broken down with normal high-frequency waves.”
Cataract surgery has a success rate of 97-99%. The doctor will first assess whether the patient’s eye health is suitable for surgery. People who are not suitable for surgery are those who have lost their vision, have damaged retinas from factors other than cataracts, have corneal degeneration, or have severe damage to the eyes. It may not be beneficial or may make the symptoms worse. Or if some patients need surgery, the doctor may consider replacing the cornea along with treating the cataract in a single surgery.
Side effects after surgery are eye inflammation and dry eyes, which usually resolve on their own within a few weeks. For one month after surgery, patients must be careful not to let water get into their eyes, refrain from washing their face, and avoid activities that may impact the eyes in order to allow the wound to close completely and prevent infection. If the eyes become infected, it will be more complicated because surgery to remove the artificial lens may be required.
“Cataracts can happen to anyone at any age. Therefore, you must start taking care of your eye health today. Start with regular health check-ups, get enough rest, wear sunglasses with UV protection when you go outside, and do not buy eye drops that contain steroids to use yourself because if you use them for a long time, they can cause cataracts.
Most importantly, you must always monitor your vision. If you have any abnormalities, such as blurred vision or blurred vision, you should see a doctor immediately. We only have one pair of eyes, so we should take good care of them so that we can see clearly for a long time,” concluded Dr. Jiranan Traiptawiphonbun .
Those interested in consulting a doctor at Vimut Hospital can inquire for more details and make an appointment at the Eye Center, 5th floor, Vimut Hospital.