Cataract, in English, refers to the condition where the lens of the eye deteriorates with age. The lens becomes stiff and loses its flexibility, and its color becomes cloudy. As a result, light is no longer able to pass through the eye as effectively as before. Therefore, wearing glasses will not help improve vision.

Cataract is the most common cause of blurred vision in people over the age of 50. About 70% of individuals over the age of 75 will have cataracts.

Cataracts are mostly a natural process that occurs as we age, similar to getting gray hair. Ultraviolet light from the sun, alcohol consumption, and smoking increase the likelihood of developing cataracts. In some cases, cataracts may result from eye injuries, diabetes, or long-term use of steroid medications.

Patients with cataracts may experience the following symptoms:

1. Blurry vision
2. Double vision
3. Seeing halos around lights
4. Seeing colors of objects change
5. A darkening of vision, even in bright light
6. Difficulty reading for long periods, needing to stop often
7. Improved near vision—those who previously needed reading glasses may find they need to change their glasses more frequently or no longer need them at all

The symptoms may gradually worsen over years or deteriorate rapidly within a few months. People with cataracts typically do not experience eye discomfort, pain, redness, or excessive tearing.

• Wear sunglasses: Wearing sunglasses that protect against UV rays is one of the best ways to help delay the development of cataracts. Ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun can trigger the production of free radicals, which can damage the lens of the eye and eventually lead to cataracts.
• Avoid alcohol consumption
• Quit smoking: Both alcohol consumption and smoking can contribute to lens damage from free radicals, potentially accelerating cataract formation.

In the past, Ophthalmologists typically recommended waiting until the cataract severely affected the patient’s vision before suggesting surgery to replace the lens. However, nowadays, cataract surgery techniques have advanced significantly and are now considered one of the safest and most effective surgeries available.

Therefore, as soon as cataract symptoms begin to interfere with the patient’s daily life, and after the doctor assesses the situation, they may recommend surgery. There’s no need to wait until the cataract has fully matured, or as it was once called, “mature.” Cataracts do not improve on their own and will only worsen over time. So, if the patient starts experiencing symptoms, there is no benefit in delaying treatment.

Cataracts will progressively worse, leading to increasing difficulty in daily activities and potentially causing dangerous situations, such as accidents while driving. Ultimately, if left untreated, cataracts can become severe enough to lead to blindness. Waiting until the cataract has matured significantly before considering surgery makes the procedure more difficult and increases the risk of complications.

In cataract surgery, the Ophthalmologist makes a small incision and uses high-frequency sound waves (Phacoemulsification) to “dissolve” the patient’s natural, deteriorated lens. After that, a permanent artificial intraocular lens is “implanted” or “inserted” to replace the natural lens.

While every surgery carries some level of risk, cataract surgery is considered very safe, especially when performed by an experienced Ophthalmologist. The likelihood of serious complications is very low. Nearly 98-99% of patients will experience clearer vision after surgery, provided they do not have other eye diseases.

• Laser cataract surgery (Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery) is a new technology that has recently been introduced for cataract surgery. The surgeon uses a laser instead of a blade to make incisions in the cornea and lens capsule. However, the process of breaking up the cataract lens still uses high-frequency sound waves (phacoemulsification) as before.
• Advantages: The laser offers more precision when making incisions compared to a blade.
• Disadvantages: The laser machines are currently quite expensive, leading to higher costs for patients. Also, the technology is not yet widely available.

Currently, there are three types of intraocular lenses (IOLs):

1. Monofocal Lens: A single-focus lens that provides clear vision at one specific distance (usually for distance vision). Patients may still need reading glasses for close-up tasks.
2. Toric Lens: A lens designed for patients with astigmatism. It helps correct both astigmatism and distance vision in one lens.
3. Multifocal Lens: A lens that offers clear vision at multiple distances (near, intermediate, and far). This type aims to reduce or eliminate the need for reading glasses after cataract surgery.

A Monofocal Lens is the most commonly used type of intraocular lens (IOL) and has been in use for the longest time. It is also the most affordable option. This lens offers a single focal point, which means it can focus on one distance—either for far, intermediate, or near vision. Most patients typically choose a lens that provides clear distance vision and wear glasses for close-up tasks like reading or working on tasks that require near vision.

In cases where the patient has astigmatism, they may still need to wear glasses continuously for clear vision.

A Toric Lens is an intraocular lens (IOL) designed specifically for patients with astigmatism, a condition caused by an irregular curvature of the cornea. This type of lens helps correct astigmatism, providing better focus and clearer vision. However, patients may still need to wear glasses for near vision tasks, such as reading or other activities that require close-up vision.

A Multifocal Lens is an intraocular lens (IOL) designed to allow the patient to see clearly at multiple distances (near, intermediate, and far). After cataract surgery, patients with this lens do not need to wear glasses for activities such as reading, using a computer, or driving. It is ideal for patients who are relatively young, active, or those who prefer not to rely on glasses after their surgery.

The best choice of intraocular lens depends on the patient’s individual needs and lifestyle. It’s important to choose a lens that suits the patient’s visual requirements, which the doctor can help guide you through. Don’t only focus on the price; consider the benefits and limitations of each type of lens as well as how the patient uses their eyes in daily life.

Remember, the intraocular lens will become a permanent part of the eye for life (replacing it is possible but rarely done unless absolutely necessary). Therefore, comparing the cost against the improved quality of life over the years is crucial. Make sure to weigh all factors carefully before making a decision.

The cost of cataract surgery varies depending on several factors, including the type of intraocular lens (IOL) chosen, the surgeon’s expertise, the medical facility, and whether advanced techniques like laser-assisted surgery or premium lenses are used.

Choosing the best type of lens: The key to selecting the best lens is to choose one that suits your needs the most. Your doctor will help you choose the right lens based on your lifestyle and vision requirements. The doctor recommends not focusing solely on price, but also considering the advantages and limitations of each lens type.

Considerations:

• Monofocal lenses: These are usually the most affordable and provide clear vision at one distance (near or far).
• Toric lenses: These lenses correct astigmatism, and while more expensive than monofocal lenses, they are still reasonably priced.
• Multifocal lenses: These lenses offer clear vision at various distances, reducing the need for glasses. They are the most expensive option but provide the highest level of convenience.
• Laser-assisted cataract surgery: This method increases precision, but the cost can be higher due to the technology used.

Long-term value: Remember that the intraocular lens will be a permanent part of your eye for life. Although it can be replaced, this is not commonly done unless absolutely necessary. Therefore, compare the potential additional costs with the long-term improvement in quality of life that the right lens choice can bring.

Take your time to consider these factors and make an informed decision. Quality of life should be a significant part of your decision-making process.

An intraocular lens (IOL) can last a lifetime. These lenses are made from durable materials, so they do not wear out or degrade over time. Once implanted during cataract surgery, the IOL remains in place permanently and functions well for the rest of the patient’s life, offering stable vision without the need for replacement.

Cataract surgery typically takes no longer than 30 minutes, and in most cases, it is completed in a shorter time. The procedure is usually quick and efficient, allowing patients to recover relatively quickly after the surgery.

Patients typically only need a few hours to recover after cataract surgery. They can go home the same day and do not need to stay in the hospital. The recovery is relatively quick, and most people are able to resume their normal activities within a short period, although it’s essential to follow the doctor’s post-operative instructions.

Once a patient has undergone cataract surgery and had an intraocular lens (IOL) implanted, cataracts will not return. However, the natural lens capsule that remains can sometimes become cloudy, leading to blurry vision. This condition is called posterior capsule opacification (PCO). The good news is that it can be treated with a YAG laser, a non-invasive procedure that doesn’t require surgery.

While cataract surgery and the implantation of a new, clear intraocular lens (IOL) improve vision significantly, most people will still need reading glasses afterward. This is because, as we age, our natural lenses lose their flexibility, which is responsible for focusing on nearby objects (a condition known as presbyopia).

Conventional IOLs have a single focal point, which means they can correct distance vision but not near vision. Thus, patients often still need reading glasses for close-up tasks. However, modern advancements in IOL technology have led to the development of multifocal lenses, which can correct near, intermediate, and distance vision, as well as issues like astigmatism or presbyopia in older patients.

It is cataract surgery followed by the implantation of a multifocal intraocular lens, which enables the patient to no longer need reading glasses. It is ideal for those who do not wish to wear reading glasses or contact lenses and want to live their daily lives as they did in their younger years.

Currently, there are no medicines, herbs, vitamins, or dietary supplements that can treat cataracts. The only way to restore clear vision is through surgery to replace the natural, deteriorated lens with an artificial intraocular lens. Cataracts do not improve on their own and only worsen over time. Therefore, there is no benefit in delaying the surgery.

Although the damage to the lens caused by free radicals (antioxidants) is one contributing factor to cataract formation, there is no medical evidence to support that taking medications or antioxidants can slow down or prevent cataracts from developing.