The Silent Threat to Vision: Understanding Cataracts

In today’s digital age, our eyes are under constant strain. Prolonged screen time, coupled with the natural aging process, is contributing to a rise in eye-related issues, with cataracts being a significant concern.Cataracts, characterized by the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, are a leading cause of vision impairment globally. According to the World Health Institution, cataracts are responsible for 51% of blindness worldwide, representing about 20 million people.

Early detection and appropriate treatment are crucial in managing cataracts and preserving vision. this article explores the diagnostic procedures and treatment approaches, drawing insights from experts in the field.

Customized Care: Pre-Surgical Assessments for Cataract Patients

Professor Do Jae-rok, an ophthalmologist at Kyungpook National University Hospital, emphasizes the importance of tailored treatment plans for cataract patients. This necessitates comprehensive pre-surgical assessments to understand the individual’s specific condition and any co-existing eye diseases.

Standard Pre-surgical Tests

before cataract surgery, a series of tests are conducted to evaluate the overall health of the eye. These include:

• Microscopy: Detailed examination of the eye’s structures.
• visual acuity Tests: Assessing the sharpness of vision.
• Slit-Lamp Examination: A magnified view of the eye’s anterior structures.
• optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Imaging the retina and assessing for thinning or other abnormalities.
• Corneal Topography: mapping the surface of the cornea to detect astigmatism or irregularities.
• Specular Microscopy: Evaluating the health and density of corneal endothelial cells, which are crucial for maintaining corneal clarity.
• Biometry: Measuring the eye’s dimensions to calculate the appropriate power of the artificial lens to be implanted during surgery.

advanced Diagnostics for Complex Cases

In cases of intractable cataracts, where the condition is more complex or accompanied by other eye diseases, additional diagnostic tests are necessary to gain a more thorough understanding of the patient’s condition.

Specialized Tests for Intractable Cataracts

These tests may include:

• Gonioscopy: Examination of the drainage angle of the eye to assess the risk of glaucoma.
• Fluorescein Angiography: Imaging the blood vessels of the retina to detect abnormalities.
• Ocular Ultrasound: Imaging the internal structures of the eye,particularly useful when the view is obscured by the cataract.
• Electroretinography (ERG) and Visual Evoked Potential (VEP): Assessing the function of the retina and optic nerve.

The Future of Cataract treatment

Advancements in technology are continuously improving the diagnosis and treatment of cataracts. From femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery to advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs) that can correct astigmatism and presbyopia, patients now have more options than ever before.The key to triumphant cataract management lies in early detection, comprehensive evaluation, and a personalized treatment approach.

Customized cataract treatment requires detailed pre-surgical testing.

Professor Do Jae-rok, Kyungpook National University hospital