French pharmacy
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French pharmacy
Cataracts are a treatable condition that should not be neglected. Recognizing its symptoms and consulting an ophthalmologist will enable you to benefit from the right diagnosis and treatment, offering the chance to regain good quality vision.
What is cataract?
Cataracts are eye diseases in which the normally clear crystalline lens gradually becomes opaque. This has the effect of reducing the quality of vision, as if looking through frosted glass. Cataracts can affect one or both eyes.
What causes cataracts?
Cataracts can have many causes. Age is the most common factor, with senile cataract being the most common. Other factors may include diabetes, prolonged exposure to UV rays, the use of certain medications, eye injuries or certain eye diseases.
How can I recognize cataract symptoms?
Cataract symptoms develop slowly and may include:
What treatments are available for cataracts?
The only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery. Cataract surgery involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial implant. The procedure is generally rapid, is performed under local anaesthetic and has a very high success rate.
Is cataract surgery risky?
Like all surgical procedures, cataract surgery does present some risks, albeit small ones. Possible complications may include infection, inflammation or refractive problems. However, in the vast majority of cases, patients regain significantly improved vision after the operation.
Can cataracts be prevented?
It's not always possible to prevent cataracts, but certain measures can help reduce the risk, such as wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes from UV rays, eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, and controlling diseases such as diabetes.
Is it possible to develop cataracts at a young age?
Yes, although cataracts are more common in the elderly, they can also occur at a young age. This form, known as congenital cataract or juvenile cataract, can be due to genetic factors, infections during pregnancy, or certain medical conditions. Early diagnosis and appropriate follow-up are essential to manage this condition and prevent its impact on vision.
Can cataracts disappear on their own?
No, once formed, cataracts do not disappear on their own. Its symptoms may, at times, seem to stagnate or improve slightly, especially with changes in light conditions or the use of suitable glasses. However, cataract progression is generally inevitable, and surgery remains the only solution for restoring vision.
What is the recovery period like after cataract surgery?
The recovery period after cataract surgery is generally short and not very uncomfortable. Most patients can resume their normal activities within a few days of surgery. It is crucial, however, to follow the ophthalmologist's recommendations, particularly concerning the use of eye drops and the avoidance of activities that could endanger the recovering eye. Blurred vision may persist for a few days, while the eye adapts to the implant.
What are the latest advances in cataract treatment?
Technological advances have considerably improved cataract treatment. Surgical techniques are increasingly precise and less invasive, with the use of phacoemulsification and lasers. Intraocular implants have also evolved, offering options such as multifocal or toric lenses, which can correct other vision problems, such as myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism, in addition to cataracts.
Are there alternatives to cataract surgery?
At present, there is no medically validated alternative to surgery to effectively treat cataracts. Research is underway to develop drugs that could dissolve or prevent cataract formation, but these treatments are not yet available. Prevention, through UV protection, a healthy diet, and management of systemic diseases, is the best strategy until significant advances are made in this field.
