Can eye drops dissolve cataracts?
Many of us might want to know if cataracts can be treated with eye drops or oral medicines. We might have come across sources claiming to “cure” cataract with just medicines. The answer is a straight NO. To know the reason, we must first understand how a cataract develops in the eye.
What is a Cataract?
Cataract is clouding and discoloration of the lens. The naturally clear lens enables visual images to focus on the retina. When the lens opacifies, the images become fuzzy, the eyes become more sensitive to glare, night vision is impaired, and color contrasts are often lost.
Watch about Eye Drops for Cataracts? on Shekar Eye Hospital YouTube Channel.
Did you know? Cataracts arise due to protein changes within the lens. Aging has a role to play in these changes.
Statistics show that people above the age of 60 have a greater chance of developing cataracts. You can also see it in people over the age of 40 due to various reasons. We definitely cannot reverse the aging by putting eye drops, so we cannot prevent or treat cataract with the help of eye drops.
Symptoms of Cataracts
- Blurry vision
- Need for brighter light to read
- Double vision(shadowing of images)
- Cloudy vision
- Appearance of Halo
- Frequent change of glass prescription
- Sudden nearsightedness
- Sensitivity to bright light
Get your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist as soon as you see any symptoms. The earlier you visit your eye doctor, the better it will be.
Causes of Cataracts
Aging is the leading cause of cataract – a routine eye check is recommended after 40 years of age.
Poor Lifestyle – which involves smoking, obesity and excessive exposure to UV rays can also result in the development of early cataract.
Diseases like Diabetes, chronic steroid intake for the treatment of certain systemic conditions can result in cataract.
Eye injuries can result in cataract formation. Radiation to the upper body can also cause cataract.
Process of cataract formation
The lenses of your eyes, which are responsible for producing sharp pictures, change as you age. They become less flexible. The protein and fiber break down, bundle up, forming opacification leading to the formation of cataracts. Cataracts generally develop in both eyes, but not always at the same rate. The cataract in one eye may be more advanced than the other, causing a difference in vision between eyes.
Detection of Cataracts
- Get regular eye check-ups, especially after the age of 40. If your symptoms are mild, you may only need a change in the prescription of your eyeglasses.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle, stop smoking/drinking if you do.
- Wear sunglasses and do not expose your eyes to the sun directly.
Treatment of Cataracts
Since it is not advisable to treat cataracts in any other way like home remedies or eye drops, the only way to go is surgery. It is the most efficient way to treat Cataracts.
Visiting an ophthalmologist can give you a deep insight into whether you need surgery or not – and whether you have a significant cataract or not. You will be going through several eye examinations, and the doctor will need to dilate your pupil to see inside your eye. Based on the grading of cataract, the doctor might decide to change your glass prescription or advice you to undergo the surgery.
Did you know? Approximately 10 million cataract surgeries are performed every year across the world.
Cataract surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist. It is done as an outpatient procedure and does not require a stay in the hospital. It is a very commonly performed surgery and a relatively safer procedure.
Before the surgery, a detailed examination of the eye including certain ultrasound scans, sometimes scans to know the health of the cornea and retina, is done to determine the correct lens to be placed and the best possible treatment plan. Antibiotic eye drops may be prescribed for use, one or two days before the surgery.
Let your doctor know if you take any medications for prostate problems or blood thinners, as some of these drugs can interfere with cataract surgery.
On the day of surgery, since you won’t be able to drive after the surgery, it is better to have someone accompanying you to take you home.
During the surgery, the eye doctor shall numb your eye with eye drops to prevent any pain. You may be awake during the procedure. Cataract surgery involves breaking the opacified lens into smaller fragments and emulsifying them with an ultrasound probe which is passed into the eye with micro incisions. Thereafter, an artificial lens is placed in the eye. Generally, the surgery is a quick procedure and you will be spending just a few hours in the hospital.
Post Surgery
After cataract surgery, expect your vision to begin improving within a few days. Your vision may be blurry at first as your eye heals and adjusts. You will be advised a few DOs and DON’Ts during the recovery period such as:
- Do not go swimming
- Do not rub your eyes
- Do not drive
- Wear sunglasses and avoid sun exposure
- Do not bend or involve yourself in physical activities
- Do not let water, dust, or soap enter your eyes
- Avoid wearing makeup
You may face some side effects like itching, eye infection, soreness, and dry eyes.
The eye doctor will prescribe medicines and eye drops for the same. You may need to follow up with your eye doctor in any adverse situation.
To Conclude
Cataracts can worsen over time. Practicing preventive eye measures & being proactive can help in preventing vision loss due to cataracts.
With many new options that increase patients’ comfort and convenience and provide the visual quality and range of vision that patients desire after cataract surgery, be assured that the surgery is safe.
If you find any symptoms relating to Cataracts or feel that you might have Cataracts, contact Shekar Eye Hospital. Your eyes shall be in the best hands with our team of experts. Book an appointment now to cure the problems given to you by Cataracts.
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