Cataracts: Causes, symptoms and classification

The article was written by Doctor, Associate Professor, Dr. Hoang Thi Minh Chau - Interdisciplinary Department - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.

Cataract is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness in the world and in Vietnam, the disease can appear at any age, but is usually over 50 years old.

The lens is a transparent, biconvex lens located behind the iris (also called the iris). The lens does not contain blood vessels and nerves, so it nourishes by osmosis.
Normally, the lens has a regulating function, allowing light to pass through and focus on the retina to help us see things.

Cataract disease, also known as cataract, cataract, cataract, .
Because the primary or secondary cause leads to the blurred lens no longer transparent like the center of the mirror is blurred, light cannot pass through and cannot focus on the retina, we call it cataract.
Because light is difficult to pass through, patients with cataracts have reduced vision, blurred vision and risk of blindness.

Primary causes
Congenital related to genetic disorders due to natural aging process affects the nutrition of the lens. Common in over 50 years of age Secondary causes Having other diseases in the eyes that recur many times such as: Uveitis Injuries to the eyes... Frequent use of drugs that affect the eyes such as corticosteroids, drugs lowering blood lipids statins, antiarrhythmic drugs (amiodarone), antidepressants... Having systemic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity... Due to frequent exposure to ultraviolet rays , X-rays, lightning, welding...

Not paying attention to exercise provides nutrients for the eyes. Excessive use of stimulants such as alcohol, tobacco... Frequent stress, exposure to dusty, polluted environments...

The disease progresses slowly and does not cause pain to the patient, in the early stages, almost no signs are seen. When the disease reaches a more advanced stage, the following symptoms are seen:
Vision loss is a typical and important symptom in cataracts. Blurry vision, difficulty seeing, or eyestrain when focusing on something. Increased sensitivity to light, or glare. It is more difficult to see in bright light than in shaded places. When there is light, the pupil contracts, limiting the amount of light that can reach the retina. Double vision, seeing the same object as many objects Blurry vision like a fog in front of the eyes Symptoms can be seen in both eyes or in one eye.

Cataracts are classified into the following diseases:

Is the leading cause of vision loss in middle age. Usually over 50 years old, due to the aging process. The disease usually progresses slowly.

Seen in subjects with systemic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity...

After trauma to the eye can cause cataracts immediately or develop after many years.

Newborn babies have cataracts. The cause may be due to a genetic disorder or because the mother has diseases such as syphilis...

At Vinmec Times City hospital, cataract surgery consultation and examination package is applied. This package helps customers to be fully examined and consulted if surgery is required.
Examination package applies to subjects with symptoms of cataracts, especially signs of blurred vision.
When you sign up for the package, you get:
Comprehensive eye exam by an eye specialist. Performing blood tests, eye ultrasound When surgery is indicated, the customer is advised to choose an artificial lens, factors related to surgery, surgical prognosis... Before surgery is evaluated. full status. Cataract surgery at Vinmec Times City
Performed by leading experts, successfully performed thousands of cases Applying Phaco surgery technique with many outstanding advantages, is a The best today Centurion machine system latest, modern international standards, safety and high efficiency. The quality of the replaced lens is the best today (USA) Contributing to improving the visual function of the patient, the patient is consulted and treated by experienced and qualified ophthalmologists. PGS.BS. Hoang Thi Minh Chau has more than 39 years of experience in ophthalmology treatment, and is a member of the Vietnam Ophthalmology Association who directly examines and operates for patients.
Cataract is a dangerous disease that leads to blindness, greatly affecting the quality of life of patients. When there are suspicious signs of the disease, it is advisable to examine and treat the disease early to avoid the risk of blindness. Currently, eye surgery has made great progress, effective treatment with fast recovery time, few complications.
Customers can go directly to Vinmec Times City to visit or contact hotline 0243 9743 556 for support.