As populations age worldwide, cataract cases are rising sharply. Many patients mistake cataracts for presbyopia or delay treatment until symptoms become severe. Ophthalmologists stress that early diagnosis and systematic management are essential for optimal outcomes.
Cataracts occur when the eye’s clear lens becomes opaque, leading to blurred vision. Aging is the primary cause, but diabetes, trauma, or prolonged ultraviolet exposure can also trigger the condition. Early symptoms often include glare from bright lights and diminished night vision.
Over time, the lens grows cloudier. If untreated, cataracts can severely impair daily activities and complicate surgery. Patients should consult an ophthalmologist at the first sign of symptoms for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan. Regular monitoring of vision and disease progression is critical. While age-related cataracts typically advance slowly, those linked to diabetic complications or trauma may deteriorate rapidly, requiring heightened vigilance.
Surgery is the only definitive treatment, involving removal of the clouded lens and implantation of an intraocular lens (IOL). Advances like femtosecond laser-assisted surgery have shortened operating times and hastened recovery. Postoperative care requires strict adherence to prescribed antibiotic and anti-inflammatory drops, avoiding eye strain, and protecting the eye from water exposure for weeks. Patients must refrain from heavy lifting or activities that increase intraocular pressure and attend follow-up visits to monitor for inflammation or IOL displacement.
The success of surgery hinges not only on removing the clouded lens but on selecting the appropriate IOL. Monofocal, multifocal, or toric lenses for astigmatism correction should align with the patient’s visual needs, lifestyle, and medical conditions. Assessing how patients use their vision—whether for driving or reading—enhances postoperative satisfaction. Multifocal lenses that address both cataracts and presbyopia have expanded treatment options.
As a progressive condition, cataracts warrant surgery when they significantly disrupt quality of life. The outdated notion that cataracts must “mature” before surgery has been discarded; timing now depends on symptom severity. If vision loss affects driving or daily tasks, surgery can prevent further decline.
Cataracts are no longer solely an elderly concern. From middle age onward, regular eye exams can detect early changes, and prompt specialist consultation ensures timely intervention—a cornerstone of healthy aging.
Lim Hye Jung, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM
press@hinews.co.kr