Cataracts Research Paper Essay Example

in ancient Babylon and India were the first to perform surgical treatment. The earliest mention of cataracts and their treatment can be traced back to Ancient Rome in 29 AD, specifically in "De Medicinae," a work by the Latin encyclopedias Aulis Cornelius Celsus. The initial extraction of cataracts was carried out by Ammar ibn of Mosul, an Iraqi. This procedure, known as couching, involved using a sharp instrument to push the cloudy lens to the bottom of the eye.

This method is still surprisingly used in some parts of Africa today. In the eighteenth century, surgeons advanced the technique for cataract removal by making incisions on the eye and extracting both the lens and capsule. One surgeon even tried replacing the cataract with a small glass lens, but it proved too heavy and would sink to the bottom of the eyes. After surgery, patients had to wear thick and heavy cataract glasses to see. In the twentieth century, surgeons found that they could remove only the cloudy lens while leaving the empty capsule in the eye.

During World War II, British surgeons made a significant discovery regarding the use of Plexiglas pieces from shattered fighter plane canopies. They found that these pieces did not cause any harmful reaction in a pilot's eyes. Following this discovery, British surgeon Harold Ridly developed a tiny lens to be implanted in the eye. In nineteen sixty-eight, American Surgeon Charles Kelman adapted ultrasound technology to remove cataracts. This procedure, known as phacoemulsification, involves using a small probe with a vibrating tip to delicately break up and wash away cataracts.

This groundbreaking technology transformed the way cataract surgery is conducted, employing ultrasound and plastic

lens technology. Presently, cataract surgery is acknowledged as an extremely safe procedure, with millions of surgeries being performed annually across the globe. Cataracts come in different forms such as age-related, secondary, traumatic, congenital, and radiation-induced.

Secondary cataracts can develop after undergoing recent surgery for various eye conditions and diseases. Traumatic cataracts may occur a year after experiencing eye damage from blunt trauma or exposure to alkaline chemicals. Congenital cataracts, on the other hand, are present in newborns.

Depending on an individual's genetic makeup, a hereditary condition may have minimal impact on their vision. If a child's vision is affected, it is possible to surgically replace the damaged lens of the eye with an artificial lens. Additionally, certain illnesses or infections during pregnancy, like Rubella and galactosemia, can result in congenital cataracts. These conditions increase the likelihood of the child developing congenital cataracts. Another form of cataracts comes from excessive exposure to ultraviolet sunlight and other types of radiation, known as radiation cataracts.

Extended exposure to sunlight can heighten the chances of developing radiation cataracts. It's crucial to note that cataracts don't transfer from one eye to the other. To reduce or delay the onset of cataracts, specific measures are recommended. While it's not feasible to fully prevent them, actions such as quitting smoking, reducing sun exposure, and moderating alcohol intake can help.

Including ample amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet may impede the progress of cataracts, while there is no evidence supporting the effectiveness of eye drops, ointments, or eye exercises for prevention. Avoiding ultraviolet radiation is among various strategies to prevent cataracts, which can be easily achieved by remaining indoors and minimizing sunlight exposure.

Wearing protective

clothing, especially during the sun's strongest hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., is essential. A hat with a wide brim can effectively reduce exposure to UVB radiation and protect the eyes. However, it should be noted that sitting under an umbrella or shade does not offer complete protection against the sun's reflective rays.

There are sunglasses that are both effective and affordable, which claim to block 99% of UVB rays and 95% of UVA rays. It is important to avoid polarized or mirror coated lenses as they do not protect against UV Radiation. Additionally, the relationship between nutrition and cataract development is uncertain. However, including dark colored fruits and vegetables in your diet can potentially reduce the risk of cataracts due to their important plant chemicals.

Scientists have studied various nutrients, including antioxidants and carotenoids, to determine their efficacy in preventing cataracts. However, research suggests that antioxidant vitamin supplements such as vitamins C and E are not effective in preventing cataracts. As a result, attention has turned to the examination of lutein and zeaxanthin - two specific carotenoids known as xanthophylls - which have shown promise in preventing cataracts. These substances are naturally present in our eye lenses.

Research suggests that adding dark leafy green vegetables to your diet may slow down the aging process of the eyes and protect against cataracts. However, there is not enough evidence to support the claim that taking carotenoid supplements effectively reduces the risk of developing cataracts. While aging is mainly associated with cataract formation, other factors also contribute to their development. It is likely that people who live long enough will experience some level of cataract formation. Interestingly, women are

more vulnerable to cataracts than men, and there is often a family tendency for this condition.

Studies have shown that African Americans are more likely to develop cataracts compared to Caucasians, with a double increase. This difference can be attributed to the higher occurrence of diabetes in the African American community. Moreover, limited access to medical care further raises the vulnerability of African Americans to vision loss caused by cataracts and glaucoma. When looking at various ethnic groups, Hispanic Americans have the highest risk of developing cataracts.

Important statistics about cataracts include the following: Cataracts are the leading cause of global vision loss, with acquired cataracts accounting for over 99% of all cases. In Australia, cataract surgery is the most common eye procedure. Among urban Australians, 11.3% experience cortical cataracts.

The prevalence of cataracts in our society is noticeably high. This can be seen in the fact that there is a 4% increase in the number of people affected by cataracts among individuals aged 50 to 59 years. In the United States, approximately 20.5 million Americans who are 40 years and older are affected by cataracts. Moreover, more than half of all Americans develop cataracts by the age of 80.

According to the National Eye Institute's 2010 survey, cataract occurrence differs among age groups. In individuals aged forty to forty-nine, the prevalence is 2.5%. For those aged fifty to fifty-nine, it rises to 6.8%, and for individuals aged sixty to sixty-nine, it further increases to 20%.

Approximately 68% of individuals aged eighty and older experience cataracts. Estimates indicate that this figure will reach 30 million by 2020. Cataract development is further influenced by diabetes and other medical conditions. Individuals with

diabetes are more susceptible to developing cataracts due to the disease itself, its treatments, or both. Both type one and type two diabetes increase the chances of developing cataracts at a younger age.

Individuals with diabetes, also known as sugar cataracts due to the association with elevated blood sugar levels, are at a greater risk of nuclear cataracts. The use of steroids for specific medical conditions further poses a substantial danger. Moreover, nearsighted individuals have an enhanced probability of cataract development.

Exposure to physical trauma, including hard blows, cuts, punctures, and inflammation of the eyes, can raise the likelihood of cataract development. Previous eye surgery and obesity also contribute to an increased risk. Moreover, individuals who had low levels of sunlight exposure are especially susceptible to nuclear cataracts. This risk is highest for those who experienced significant sun exposure during their early years. Furthermore, people who work outside for extended periods have a higher chance of developing cataracts.

Smoking a pack of cigarettes per day can double the chances of developing cataracts. Smokers are more likely to experience severe vision problems in the central region of the lens affected by cataracts compared to other areas. Additionally, drinking alcohol can increase vulnerability to different eye disorders, including cataracts. The prognosis for cataracts depends on their severity and type, possibly stabilizing at a certain stage.

While the causes of cataracts cannot be reversed, they can be eliminated. However, not everyone has access to surgery for removing cataracts. To receive an examination for cataracts, individuals must visit an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Only ophthalmologists are authorized to provide treatment for cataracts. Eye professionals have the ability to identify cloudy areas in the lens

through a direct physical examination even before cataracts begin to impact vision.

Various vision tests can also be performed, including the Snellen Eye Chart. This chart is used to assess a person's visual clarity, as it consists of a row of progressively smaller letters.

The test involves standing approximately twenty feet away and reading the letters one eye at a time. If all the letters are read correctly down to twenty feet, the person has twenty twenty vision. If they can only read up to the line marked forty feet, their vision is categorized as twenty forty. If even the large letters on the line cannot be read with the better eye, the person is legally blind. The treatment for cataracts is the only solution, but it is not considered an urgent matter.

Cataracts only result in a decline in vision for the affected individual, so delaying surgery is not problematic. Instead of opting for surgical intervention, early-stage cataracts can be addressed through less invasive approaches. These methods encompass wearing more powerful glasses or contact lenses, employing a magnifying glass while reading, enhancing lighting conditions, or utilizing medication to dilate the pupil.

Cataracts progress slowly, allowing families and patients to have enough time to discuss their approach with the ophthalmologist. Immediate cataract surgery is rarely needed. In the United States, cataract surgery is a common procedure, especially among seniors. Previously, surgery was postponed until cataracts were well-developed; however, new techniques now enable safer and more efficient early-stage surgery. Cataract surgery has been proven to greatly enhance vision with a success rate of ninety-five percent, potentially preventing blindness for millions of Americans and people worldwide.

The decision to have cataract surgery

depends on how an individual perceives their vision problems. Patients receive information about the possible risks and expenses related to the procedure. Different factors, like performance on the Snellen eye test and the extent of uncorrectable vision loss, are taken into account in deciding whether or not surgery should be done. If a person has difficulty carrying out daily activities by themselves, it also strengthens their suitability for surgery. It is important to mention that older individuals may prioritize clear vision less than younger people do, as long as they meet the required criteria for having surgery.

Although elderly patients aged 85 years or older with serious health conditions are at a greater risk of complications and poorer outcomes following surgery, it is still worth considering surgery as it can lead to an improvement in vision by as much as 85%. Even if they do not meet the requirements for surgery, some individuals may choose to undergo the procedure to address problems such as glare, double vision, or the need for an unrestricted driver's license. In cases where a patient has a retinal disease and cataract surgery could provide a clearer view of the eye, it can still be performed even if they do not meet the criteria for cataract surgery. It is important to note that no one should feel obligated to have the surgery if they do not want or need it. When deciding whether to treat cataracts in both eyes, the decision-making process should be similar to that used for treating the first eye.

Patients with cataracts in both eyes should consult their surgeon regarding the uncertain timing for performing the procedure. It is

recommended to let the first eye heal before having surgery on the second eye. Unfortunately, many patients experience difficulty reading and carrying out everyday tasks while waiting for cataract surgery on their other eye.

Cataracts surgery is typically conducted as an outpatient procedure under anesthesia and generally takes less than an hour to complete. Prior to the surgery, several preoperative preparations are carried out. One of the crucial steps is a comprehensive physical examination, especially for individuals with diabetes. This assessment is highly significant as diabetes has the potential to harm the retina's blood vessels, leading to a condition known as retinopathy.
Research indicates that individuals with retinopathy and inadequate blood sugar control should avoid correcting their sugar levels prior to cataract surgery. Correcting sugar levels before surgery may lead to vision complications following the procedure. In order to determine the appropriate replacement lens, an ophthalmologist will conduct a painless ultrasound test to measure eye length. Additionally, preoperative application of topical antibiotics aims to safeguard against postoperative infections.

If the patient is in good health, they will be given either a local injection or a topical anesthetic. They may also be given a sedative or general anesthesia. Every cataract surgery involves removing the affected lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. Phacoemulsification is the most commonly performed procedure in the United States.

Initially, the eye surgeon will start by making a small incision in the eye. A tiny probe is utilized to fragment the clouded lens into minuscule fragments. Subsequently, a vacuum-like device is employed to extract the fragmented lens. As a subsequent step, the replacement lens is inserted into a capsular bag at the location where
                                

the natural lens was situated and is subsequently folded and placed within the aforementioned small incision. The phacoemulsification approach solely necessitates anesthesia.

Most of the phacoemulsification procedures can be completed in about fifteen minutes, and the patient typically leaves the operating room in approximately one hour. There may be some discomfort following the procedure, and the recovery period lasts from one to three weeks. The traditional method for treating cataracts, called extra capsular cataract extraction, is now primarily used for patients with particularly hard lenses. In this procedure, the ophthalmologist starts by working under a microscope and creating a small incision in the cornea. Subsequently, the surgeon removes the clouded lens through this incision.

The capsule remains in the eye to provide structural strength and assist in healing. Following this, a replacement lens is inserted and the incision is closed using a small suture. It typically takes two to four weeks for vision to fully recover after this procedure.

After undergoing surgery, it is necessary to wear eyeglasses or lenses as the retina loses the ability to focus on a clear image. Despite being considered one of the safest surgical procedures, there is still a possibility of complications, although these are generally not severe. Swelling and inflammation may occur, but the likelihood of this happening is approximately 1%. Following surgery, patients may experience glare due to light scattering at the edges of the new lens. This is particularly seen with square-edged lenses commonly used for posterior capsular cataracts.

This issue is typically temporary and typically resolved within a few weeks. In some cases, however, it can persist and require another surgical procedure. Certain materials used in the lens production

can trigger an immune response in some patients, resulting in inflammation and the formation of small tissue deposits in the eye. This can lead to secondary cataracts, also known as posterior capsule opacification. In rare instances, the retina at the back of the eye may even become detached. While the risk of this is extremely low, phacoemulsification carries a lower risk compared to older methods of cataract surgery.

Atonia may occur, causing the loss of muscle tone and resulting in a disturbing glare. Additionally, there is a possibility of glaucoma after surgery. Glaucoma is a condition where the pressure of fluids inside the eye rises to dangerously high levels. While infections following surgery are extremely uncommon, they can have significant consequences if they do occur.

There is a possibility of developing blisters on the cornea, particularly with phacoemulsification. However, the risk of rupture is very low. Bleeding in the eye can occur to varying degrees. The phacoemulsification procedure carries several specific complications.

Complications during cataract surgery may include the rupture of the capsule, loss of the lens nucleus into the eye fluids, fragments of the lens damaging the cornea or threatening the retina, and extreme changes in blood pressure before and after the surgery.

In a significant number of cases, approximately 30%, patients may develop secondary cataracts within one to five years after surgery. To prevent infection and minimize swelling, the ophthalmologist may prescribe certain medications post-surgery. An antibiotic applied topically serves as protection against infection. Often, corticosteroids or ointments are utilized to reduce swelling, but there is a potential risk of increased eye pressure.

There is a risk of experiencing greater complications in the following scenarios: individuals

with other eye diseases or diabetes. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing or worsening retinopathy, a commonly occurring eye complication. Nevertheless, the chances of complications decrease with the surgeon's experience.

The postoperative care for patients who undergo cataract surgery is generally effective, ensuring a quick recovery time. Typically, patients are discharged from the surgical site within an hour after the procedure. It is important for patients to have someone to assist them until their vision improves after the surgery. The patient will be evaluated the day following the surgery and throughout the following month.

The patient's vision typically starts out blurry and gradually improves over the course of two to six weeks. Once the doctor determines that the condition has stabilized, they will provide the final prescription for glasses or contacts. Patients are usually instructed on how to properly care for their eyes post-surgery. To protect and facilitate proper healing, the ophthalmologist will typically put a bandage over the eye. When replacing the old bandage with a new one, it is important to gently clean the eye using a washcloth soaked in warm water without soap.

Next, apply a fresh bandage and tape it onto your eye. At night, you can place an eye shield over the affected eye. Cataracts disease presents various symptoms, such as cloudy vision, double vision, or a combination of both.

Images may appear yellowish when color vibrancy diminishes, making it difficult to read due to reduced contrast between letters and the background. Additionally, sensitivity to bright lights can impair night driving. In more severe cases, the pupil may appear milky or yellowish.

When a person's vision is only able to detect

light from darkness, it is a sign that nuclear cataracts are developing. Symptoms of nuclear cataracts include hazy distance vision and increased glare. Additionally, there may be a constant need for changes in eye prescription due to increasing nearsightedness. As the cataracts worsen, stronger eyeglass prescriptions become ineffective in improving the patient's vision. On the other hand, symptoms of cortical cataracts appear as follows:

As cataracts develop and move closer to the center of the lens, they can have a minimal impact on eyesight, causing glare to increase. Additionally, as cataracts worsen, problems with contrast sensitivity, distance vision, and clarity worsen as well. If cataracts surgery is necessary, it can potentially lead to glaucoma. To handle this risk, one way to minimize it is by reducing strenuous physical activity.

When putting on shoes, it is recommended to sit and avoid lifting the feet. Instead of bending over, it is advised to kneel while picking up something. Additionally, it is advisable to limit reading as it involves eye movement. As previously mentioned, cataracts are an eye disease characterized by the clouding of the lens in the retina. Much information has been provided on ways to prevent cataracts and cope with the condition if diagnosed.

I hope and pray that we learn from this information and start taking better care of our eyes!

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