Cataracts are among the most common causes of vision loss in older age: Experts warn to get regular check-ups

With increasing life expectancy, cataracts, which are more frequently seen in the older age group, are among the most important treatable causes of vision loss. Prof. Dr. Akif Özdamar, Head of the Cataract and Refractive Surgery Unit of the Turkish Ophthalmological Association, stated that regular eye examinations are critical for the timely detection and treatment of the disease at the appropriate stage.

Cataracts occur when the eye's lens loses its transparency. Although the disease usually develops due to age, factors such as trauma, diabetes, long-term cortisone use, and excessive exposure to sunlight can also play a role in cataract formation.

SYMPTOMS CAN PROGRESS SLOWLY

According to experts, cataracts progress with a gradual blurring of vision. Faded perception of colors, sensitivity to light, decreased night vision, and difficulty in performing daily tasks are among the prominent symptoms of the disease.

Prof. Dr. Özdamar pointed out that because cataracts often progress slowly, patients may not notice the decrease in vision for a long time. For this reason, it was emphasized that it is important for individuals over the age of 50 to have an eye examination once a year.

THE ONLY TREATMENT IS SURGERY

Stating that the only treatment for cataracts today is surgery, Özdamar expressed that successful results can be achieved in operations with developing technology. In phacoemulsification, one of the most frequently applied methods, the lens that has lost its transparency is broken down and cleaned with ultrasonic energy by reaching into the eye through small incisions.

In this method, the small size of the incisions reduces the need for stitches in most cases; it contributes to shortening the surgical time and accelerating the healing process. In place of the cleaned cataractous lens, an artificial intraocular lens that mimics the refractive power of the natural lens is placed.

Özdamar stated that after the surgery, patients can regain the level of vision they had before the cataract developed. However, in patients where the cataract is very advanced or there are additional eye problems, surgery with larger incisions may be required; in this case, the surgery and recovery process may take longer.

Experts point out that diagnosing cataracts at the right time is important not only for the quality of vision but also for the person to maintain their daily life independently. Regular examinations ensure both the monitoring of the disease's progression level and the decision for surgery to be made at the right time.