One of the questions that some of our highly experienced eye specialists in Kolkata come across by cataracts patients is — whether cataracts can return? Well, the answer is no. A person cannot get a cataract twice. Once cataracts are removed, they cannot grow back. It’s important that you understand what exactly a cataract is and how it forms.
Here we share with insights on cataracts and how you can prevent them from forming and slow its progression once it is already present in its early stages:
Insight 1: Cataracts are a clump of proteins
A cataract forms when the proteins in your eye clump together. This clump of proteins clouds the natural lens of the eye, resulting in blurry vision. Cataracts are a normal part of ageing and progressively worsen over the years. Cataracts make it difficult to read and drive a car, especially at night.
Insight 2: Surgery only way to get rid of cataracts
The only way to remove a cataract is to undergo cataract surgery. This is a simple procedure that we offer at Disha Eye Hospitals. We offer all types of cataract surgery — phacoemulsification with foldable IOL, manual small incision cataract surgery as well as laser cataract surgery. During the surgery, the clouded natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one. At our hospital, we have well-experienced eye specialists, surgeons and pathologists. If you choose our hospital for eye treatment, be rest assured you’re in great hands!
Insight 3: Once removed, cataracts do not come back
Once the eye’s natural lens is removed and then replaced with an artificial one, it is not possible for a cataract to develop again. The proteins inside the eye cannot clump together in an artificial lens as it is made from a special material.
Insight 4: Cataracts are irreversible but you prevent them from worsening
Once cataracts form in your eyes, you cannot reverse the condition without a surgery. However, there are a few things you can do to prevent them from worsening especially in the early stages:
- Have regular eye check-ups: See your eye specialist regularly so he or she can keep a tab on your condition and treat problems before they become worse and more damaging.
- Watch your sugar levels: Cataracts develop more often in people with diabetes. If your blood sugar is too high for too long, the lens of your eye swells. Keep your sugar levels under control.
- Quit smoking, if you haven’t: Smokers are at a higher risk of developing cataracts. It is best to quit smoking.
- Eat a healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. Try to choose fruits and vegetables since they are rich in vitamins A, C and E, as well as lutein and zeaxanthin.
- Exercise regularly: Keeping yourself physically active boosts your eye health. It lowers the risk of developing cataracts and other eye conditions.
- Wear sunglasses: The sun’s ultraviolet rays can be damaging to our eyes, even on the cloudiest of days. Wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays.
We hope you find the above information useful! For a wealth of information on eye health, watch this space. We continuously share information on eye health-related topics.