Vision gives us the opportunity to fully enjoy the world around us. However, over time, the eyes, like the whole body, are susceptible to aging, and this can trigger the onset of a disease such as cataracts. An operation, rehabilitation after it is able to return the former acuity to our eyesight.
Symptoms of Cataract
First of all, it should be remembered that cataracts are an age-related disease. That is why most people run the risk of facing it. It develops due to clouding of the lens. The main symptom is that vision deteriorates in one or both eyes at once. The image becomes blurry, as if looking through a film. Myopia intensifies. The rate of its detection depends on where the cataract develops. Often it is found only at a routine examination by an ophthalmologist. It is also characteristic that the pupil acquires a different shade: whitish or yellowish. It is important to pay attention to the fact that visual acuity depends on lighting. With cataracts, it improves at dusk or in cloudy weather. Even the eyes become sensitive to bright light.
Types of Cataract
There are several types of this disease. Congenital cataract is characterized by the fact that a child is born already with a cloudy lens. Depending on whether the disease is progressing, either treatment or a doctor’s observation of the patient is indicated.
Acquired cataracts can develop due to several factors. Since the disease is often age-related, it also occurs in older people. Cataracts can also be triggered by certain diseases - both the eye and general ones (for example, diabetes mellitus). Eye injuries also contribute to the development of this disease. Secondary cataract occurs after surgery. This does not indicate a poorly performed operation. It can occur several years after cataract removal was performed. Rehabilitation after surgery is extremely important.
Treatment methods
Depending on the stage of the disease, either conservative treatment or surgical treatment is prescribed. However, the drops that are used are capable of only slowing down the process of visual impairment, but they are not able to completely get rid of the problem. Therefore, the most effective option that will help eliminate a disease such as cataract is surgery. Rehabilitation after it is not so long and will soon return to normal life.
Surgery is performed by ultrasonic phacoemulsification. Special tools are introduced into the capsule with the lens, with the help of which it is crushed, as it were, and then “sucked out”. Then a polymer lens is placed in the same capsule. This method allows you to perform surgery at any stage of the disease, and not wait until the cataract ripens (while a person almost completely loses sight).
Cataract. Operation. Rehabilitation
Although modern medicine allows for the removal of cataracts quite quickly, nevertheless after this, certain rules must be followed. Rehabilitation after cataracts includes a strict sleep regimen and maximum avoidance of eye strain. Work at the computer, watching television is better left for later. You can read, but only in good light. It is best to refrain from sleeping on the side where the operated eye is located. Rehabilitation after cataract surgery should include weight lifting restrictions. The maximum that can be allowed to raise is three kilograms. If possible, heavy physical exertion should be avoided. The first few days, you need to wear a blindfold on the eye, which will protect it from foreign substances and dust. Also, do not rub your eyes. It is important to avoid contact with water and soap solutions. A very important limitation applies to visiting a bath or sauna, as hot water can cause hemorrhage. Alcohol and cigarettes should also be discarded (for at least one month).
Stages of the rehabilitation period
Conditionally, rehabilitation after cataracts is divided into three periods: the first week after the operation, the 8-30th day, the stage from the 31st day to six months. Immediately after surgery, pain may occur in the eye area. Edema may also occur. To relieve pain, the doctor prescribes a special drug, but to cope with edema, you can use the correct position during sleep, as well as special nutrition. Immediately there is an improvement in visual acuity.
The second stage is characterized by unstable vision. Right now, it is necessary to observe a strict regime for the complete restoration of eye functions after a disease such as cataract. Operation, rehabilitation - all these procedures are quite complicated. Therefore, throughout the recovery period, a careful attitude to the eyes is required.
The longest in time is the third stage. At this time, vision is restored to the maximum, and you can pick up permanent glasses (or contact lenses). The restriction on lifting weights and heavy loads does not lose its relevance. If cataract is removed, rehabilitation after surgery will help to avoid complications.
Possible complications
Like every surgery, cataract removal can be accompanied by both early and late complications. The first include the occurrence of inflammatory processes, increased pressure inside the eye, displacement of the artificial lens, and detachment of the retina, which may require additional surgery.
A fairly serious complication is the rupture of the posterior capsule. Due to a doctor’s mistake or that the rehabilitation after cataract removal was not entirely successful, hemorrhage in the anterior chamber may occur. Late complications include the recurrence of cataracts.
To reduce the risks of a disease, simple but fairly effective precautions are needed. First of all, you need to carefully protect your eyes from ultraviolet radiation. It is also important to remember that vitamins A and E reduce the possibility of cataracts. Well, of course, regular examinations will help to identify the problem in the early stages. Thus, sunglasses, fresh vegetables and fruits, respect for the eyes will give a chance to avoid a disease such as cataracts. Surgery, rehabilitation to restore lost vision with such prevention will not be needed.