Cataracts Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Cataracts in the elderly or elderly (elderly) occur due to changes in the eye lens which causes the lens to no longer be transparent or clear. The lens of the eye is a structure that is behind the pupil of the eye, namely the dark circle in the middle of the eye. When light enters the eye it passes through the cornea, lens and retina. This condition makes cataract sufferers feel blurred or cloudy or foggy vision.
Cataracts in the elderly usually occur in people aged 65 and over. Cataracts can affect anyone, both women and men.
Symptom
Cataracts in seniors will not be felt in the early stages. Symptoms will get worse with time. Cataracts usually occur in both eyes, although at different times.
Symptoms of cataracts that usually appear can be:
- blurred, cloudy or foggy vision
- there is a small speck on the vision
- difficulty seeing in dim or very bright light
- feel dazzled by bright light
- less clear to see the color or looks faded
- everything looks like yellow or brown
- experience double vision
- seeing halos (halos) around bright lights, such as car headlights or street lights
- feel the glasses are not working
Reason
occurs due to the aging or aging process. Cataracts are the result of changes in the structure of the lens over time. It is thought that this condition occurs due to changes in the protein in the lens which causes the lens to become cloudy.
Here are some factors that can increase the risk of developing cataracts:
- the age factor, where people aged or over 65 years are a group that is very susceptible to cataracts
- have a family history of cataracts
- suffer from diabetes
- have other eye conditions, such as long-term uveitis
- have had eye surgery or had an eye injury
- taking high doses of corticosteroid drugs or for a long time
- smoke
- consuming alcohol in large quantities
- poor diet so lack of vitamins
- lifetime exposure to sunlight
Diagnosis
Doctors can determine the diagnosis of cataracts in the elderly based on the results of a detailed medical interview regarding the symptoms that arise. In addition, the doctor will do a physical examination. An examination is carried out using a slit lamp or ophthalmoscope.
Treatment
Cataracts in the elderly can only be cured by surgery or surgery. In the early stages, cataract sufferers can be helped with glasses or a lamp with sufficient lighting. However, cataracts will get worse over time and you will have to undergo cataract surgery.
Cataract surgery is a procedure performed to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a new clear plastic lens. Usually after cataract surgery, the eyes do not need reading aids such as glasses. Because the lenses provided are usually adjusted to the size needed by your vision.