[Health Column] What is Cataract? A comprehensive overview from early symptoms to post-surgery care

Director Choi Woo-hyuk

 

 

Hello, this is Director Choi Woo-hyuk. Cataracts are a natural eye condition that can occur with aging. However, if you think, "It's normal for my eyesight to worsen as I get older," and ignore it, you may miss the optimal time for treatment. Today, I would like to talk about cataracts.

 

 

1. Early symptoms of cataracts, don't just dismiss them as aging

 

When cataracts begin to develop, vision may feel different in bright and dark environments, and eyes may easily become tired when reading books or using smartphones. In particular, vision may temporarily become more blurred after exercise or when dehydrated. If you notice these changes, it could be a sign of cataracts.

 

 

 

 

 

2. What is cataract? A condition where the 'lens' inside the eye becomes cloudy.

 

Cataracts are a condition that occurs as the transparent lens called the 'lens' of the eye gradually becomes cloudy. This lens plays a role in focusing so that we can see objects clearly, but as we age, it loses elasticity and gradually becomes foggy. When the lens becomes cloudy, focus is not properly achieved, causing objects to appear blurry, and light scattering can lead to glare. The symptoms of cataracts can vary depending on the location and degree of cloudiness, and sometimes they only impair vision at certain distances or cause objects to appear overlapped.

 

 

 

3. How is cataract surgery performed?

 

Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and inserting an artificial lens (intraocular lens) in its place. Recently, ultrasound or laser technology has been used to perform the surgery more precisely. In particular, implanting a multifocal intraocular lens allows for clear vision at both near and far distances, increasing convenience in daily life. The artificial lenses used nowadays have a lifespan of over 80 years, and their durability is so high that most patients do not need to replace them after the initial surgery.

 

 

4. Postoperative precautions and management determine recovery.

 

Immediately after surgery, your eyes may become sensitive to light or see colors strangely. Especially in cases where multifocal lenses are implanted, lights may appear to spread or night vision may be somewhat blurry. This usually improves gradually over time, so there's no need to worry too much.

 

After surgery, please use eye drops consistently for three weeks and be careful not to rub or vigorously wipe your eyes. Also, during the first week after surgery, be cautious to prevent water from entering your eyes during washing or showering. Even if you wear glasses, you may experience dryness or foreign body sensation, so using artificial tears can also be helpful.

 

 

 

5. Do not misunderstand color changes, blue light, and misconceptions

 

When cataracts develop, some of the light entering the eye, especially blue spectrum light, is blocked. After surgery removes the cloudiness, this blue light can enter again more easily, which may cause colors to suddenly appear bluish or purplish. However, this is part of the normal recovery process, and the optic nerve gradually adapts.

 

Sometimes, there are claims that wearing blue light blocking glasses can help prevent or improve symptoms of cataracts, but this is incorrect information. Blue light is part of natural sunlight, so it cannot be completely blocked, nor is it necessary to do so.

 

 

 

6. Timing of surgery, "finding the right moment," is the key.

 

Cataract surgery is generally performed when vision deterioration causes inconvenience in daily life. If performed too early, the effectiveness of the surgery may be minimal, and if delayed too long, the risk of other complications such as glaucoma or retinal diseases increases. Just like squeezing acne too early or too late can leave scars, it is important to determine the 'appropriate timing' for cataract surgery. It is advisable to check your eye condition through regular ophthalmic examinations and to make a decision after thorough consultation with a specialist.

 

 

7. Recovery period and return to daily life, it is important not to overexert yourself.

 

Vision does not immediately return to normal right after surgery. Most patients feel that their vision clears up within about a day after the procedure, but complete recovery takes a little more time. Washing your face is possible about a week after surgery, and normal daily activities can be resumed without difficulty after approximately three weeks. During this period, the use of eye drops and managing eye dryness are very important, and it is also recommended to limit the use of smartphones and computers during the first two weeks.

 

 

 

In conclusion

 

Cataracts are a natural aging phenomenon that anyone can experience. However, the quality of life can vary greatly depending on treatment and management. Instead of thinking "it's a bit uncomfortable but I can tolerate it," it is most important to receive appropriate treatment at the right time based on an accurate diagnosis and the advice of a specialist. Since our eyes are precious organs used throughout our lives, do not hesitate to visit an ophthalmologist if you notice any abnormal signs. Small changes can bring great reassurance.

 

 

 

 

 

Director Choi Woo-hyuk

Graduated from Korea University College of Life Sciences
Graduated from Kyung Hee University College of Medicine
Kyung Hee University Hospital Resident
Full member of the Korean Society of Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine

 

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