Cataract

Cataract is the loss of transparence in crystalline (natural intraocular lens) whose function is to focus light in the retina. This “cloudiness” limits vision and may lead to blindness if not treated in extreme situations. Cataracts generally developed slowly and are pain-free. For this reason, vision and daily life may be affected without any sign.

Most common complaints are blurry vision, reading difficulties in low light conditions, poor night vision, intense bright, halos around lights and sometimes double vision. Other cataract signs often include changes in eyeglasses prescription and a new readability for patients over 55 years old who will no longer need to use eyeglasses.

There are several types of cataract, including senile, traumatic and metabolic. Senile cataract (related to aging) is the most common type and has a multifactorial pathogenesis. Traumatic cataract may occur after blunt-force and penetrating ocular injuries as well as after electrocution, chemical burning and radiation exposure. Metabolic cataract develops in relation to uncontrolled diabetics, galactosemia patients Wilson disease and myotonic dystrophy, amongst other illness.

Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures all over the world and has a very high success rate. The goal of modern cataract surgery is not only to remove the cataract but also to replace it with an intra ocular lens (IOL). IOL is typically placed during surgery. There are several types of IOL that may be used in modern cataract surgery such as single vision lenses, multifocal lenses and astigmatism corrective lenses. The goal of every IOL is to improve vision and limit eyeglasses or contact lenses dependence.