Cataract is a major cause of blindness in India. The condition is caused mainly due to ageing. Cataract is the opacity of the transparent lens of the eye. If clouded, prevents the light to pass through lens and reach retina for image formation. The factors responsible for cataract are old age, eye injuries, inflammation, diabetes, and prolonged use of steroids. Children may also have cataract since birth, due to the infection passed on to them by their mother during pregnancy.
Gradual Loss of Vision
Both eyes are involved at varying stages
The pupil of eye turns grey
The patient has hazy or double or multiple vision
There is no pain
The patient has to change his spectacles frequently
PREVENTION
Cataract formation cannot be prevented. However, blindness due to cataract can and must be avoided through timely surgical intervention.
TREATMENT Medication of any kind cannot cure or delay cataract formation Surgical removal of the clouded lens and replacement by Intraocular Lens (IOL) can restore normal vision Cataract surgery is simple. It is normally done under local anaesthesia Cataract surgical services are available free of cost in Government Hospitals and many Non-Governmental Institutions
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