Confusing Cataract Symptoms with Presbyopia: What to Watch for at Your Yeoksam Eye Clinic
As you reach 40 or older, you may experience presbyopia, an eye condition that causes blurry near vision. This is a natural phenomenon that affects everyone. However, neglecting it can potentially lead to cataract symptoms, so early detection and appropriate treatment are crucial. Presbyopia occurs as the lens loses elasticity with age, reducing its ability to focus. This results in decreased near vision, which can cause discomfort, dry eyes, and a feeling of heaviness in the eyes. It can also slow down focus transitions, and vision may seem worse in dim lighting or when you are tired. In such cases, reading glasses or presbyopia surgery can improve the symptoms. If reading glasses are not inconvenient, surgery isn't necessary; it's often considered when glasses become bothersome.
However, presbyopia surgery is only an option if cataracts are not present. Cataracts are characterized by the lens losing transparency and becoming cloudy. They typically occur in the late 60s due to aging, but they can also develop earlier due to genetics, eye trauma, diabetes complications, medication, or other underlying eye conditions. Therefore, if you have a family history of cataracts, it's essential to get regular checkups. Visit your Yeoksam eye clinic at least once or twice a year for a comprehensive eye exam to assess the internal health of your eyes, not just a simple vision test.
The clouding of the lens is a gradual process that occurs over several years. As such, it can be challenging to recognize the early symptoms of cataracts. Initially, you may experience blurry vision, hazy vision, or a general sense of blurriness, especially at a distance. These symptoms may be intermittent, making them even harder to notice. However, as the clouding worsens over time, more pronounced symptoms will appear, requiring careful attention.
If cataracts are detected early, the Yeoksam eye clinic may initially recommend treatment with medication rather than immediate surgery. Although medication cannot reverse the clouding, it can slow down its progression. If the treatment is effective, surgery can be postponed. However, in other cases, prompt surgery may be necessary.
Cataract symptoms can vary depending on the location of the clouding on the lens. If the clouding starts at the periphery, you may experience double vision or improved vision at night. Colors may appear faded or distorted. If the clouding begins at the center of the lens, you may suddenly become nearsighted. If you typically wear reading glasses for presbyopia and suddenly find that you can see near objects clearly without them, be aware that this may be a temporary effect caused by cataracts, not an improvement in your vision. In this case, it is advisable to visit your Yeoksam eye clinic as soon as possible.
If cataracts progress to the intermediate or advanced stages, surgery is usually required. The procedure involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial lens to correct your vision. This surgery uses small incisions in the cornea, resulting in a quick recovery. Patients can usually return home on the same day. However, because the lens has been replaced, it's important to avoid eye strain and fatigue after surgery and to take care to ensure that your eyes stabilize properly.
The artificial lens used in cataract surgery is typically permanent, so it's important to choose it carefully. There are two main types of artificial lenses: monofocal and multifocal. Monofocal lenses correct focus at one distance (usually far), so you may need to wear glasses for near vision after surgery. Multifocal lenses allow you to see clearly at all distances. While they may require an initial adjustment period, they eliminate the need for glasses after surgery and can provide more satisfactory vision correction.
Cataracts are a common eye condition that can affect anyone as they age. However, if left untreated, they can increase the risk of complications such as glaucoma and uveitis, and they can make it difficult to detect other eye conditions. As the lens becomes increasingly hard, surgery can become more challenging. In rare cases, cataracts can even lead to blindness. Therefore, it is recommended to undergo surgery at least by the intermediate stage.
Even though it is a natural phenomenon, neglecting cataracts can lead to permanent vision loss. Early detection is key. Because cataracts can significantly impair your daily life, visit your Yeoksam eye clinic regularly for checkups and early detection to improve your eye health.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/whgus4231/224086099679
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