Sight is one of the most precious senses and keeping it healthy is essential for quality of life. Often, however, it is neglected.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 2.2 billion people worldwide suffer from visual impairments, and at least half of these cases could be prevented or treated. Among the main causes of vision loss, cataracts are the most common: it is estimated that it is responsible for more than 50% of cases of blindness in the world.
In Italy, more than 650,000 people undergo surgery to remove cataracts every year, making it one of the most performed surgeries in our country. Fortunately, thanks to advances in eye surgery, it is now possible to treat this condition safely, with a quick recovery and excellent results.
What is cataracts and how does it manifest itself
Cataracts are an eye condition characterized by the progressive clouding of the crystalline lens, the natural lens of the eye. This process, which can occur gradually, prevents the proper passage of light and impairs vision.
It can arise for several reasons, including:
- Aging (the most common form, known as age-related cataracts)
- Eye trauma
- General disorders (such as diabetes and hypertension)
- Prolonged exposure to UV rays without adequate protection
- Cortisone drugs used for a long time.
Initially, cataracts can be almost unnoticeable, but over time, it can lead to a significant reduction in vision, affecting daily life.
Symptoms and diagnosis of cataracts
The symptoms of cataracts can vary depending on the stage of the disease. Among the most common are:
- Blurred or blurred vision
- Increased sensitivity to light and reflections
- Difficulty reading or near vision
- Altered perception of colors (which appear less vivid)
- Worsening of night vision
- Frequent need to change your eyeglass prescription
If you recognize any of these signs, it’s important that you get a specialist checkup. The diagnosis of cataracts, in fact, takes place through a complete eye examination, which includes:
- Eye test to assess visual capacity
- Examination with a slit lamp, which allows the lens to be observed and its transparency evaluated
- Measurement of eye pressure, to rule out other concomitant diseases.
Detecting cataracts early allows you to plan the most suitable treatment and prevent a deterioration in visual quality.
At the Villa Anna clinic in San Benedetto del Tronto, you will find expert ophthalmologists in a single center for check-ups, together with the eye surgery team with expert doctors for cataract treatment. Watch Dr. Viardo Goffi’s surgery on cataracts.
Cataract Treatment Options: Intervention and Recovery
The only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery, which today is performed with minimally invasive techniques and with a very rapid recovery.
How does cataract surgery work? The operation consists of removing the opaque lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
The operation takes place in day surgery, lasts about 15-20 minutes and is carried out under local anesthesia with the use of anesthetic eye drops.
There are several approaches:
- Phacoemulsification technique: this is the most modern procedure, which uses ultrasound to fragment the opaque lens before removing it.
- Personalized intraocular lens: according to the patient’s needs, a monofocal, multifocal or toric lens can be implanted to correct any visual defects such as presbyopia or astigmatism.
Recovery after cataract surgery
After the operation, the patient can go home the same day. Recovery is generally fast and in most cases vision improves in the first 24-48 hours.
It is important to follow a few simple precautions to promote optimal healing:
- Use prescribed eye drops to reduce the risk of infection
- Avoid intense physical exertion and rubbing of the eye
- Protect your eyes from bright light with sunglasses
- Follow post-operative check-ups to monitor recovery
After a few weeks, vision stabilizes completely and the patient can return to his daily activities with sharper and brighter vision.
We have seen together that cataracts are one of the most common eye diseases, especially with advancing age, but thanks to advances in eye surgery, it is now possible to treat it safely and effectively.
Rely on our specialists for safe and effective treatment: we provide the best technologies and an experienced staff to guarantee our patients the best treatment for cataracts.
Don’t neglect the health of your eyes: intervening in time means improving your quality of life and seeing clearly again. Contact us to find out more about cataract treatment!
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