watch this video on YouTube by clicking on the link below
https://youtu.be/3b1pvzwGiKY

Welcome back to Sg Dr Wellness. I am Dr Chen Yiming.
In the third video of this eye series, i will be talking about cataract.
I’m sure many of you have heard of this term cataract and maybe you have cataract yourself.

So what exactly is it?
A cataract is a condition when your eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, preventing sufficient light from entering The Eye.
Proteins in your lens break down and cause things to look blurry, hazy or less colourful. The lens look hazy and cloudy. It’s as if you were looking through a foggy or dusty car windshield - things naturally look blurry, hazy or less colourful with a cataract.

Some other vision changes you may notice if you have cataract includes
- seeing double vision
- being extra sensitive to light ( especially when driving at night )
- having trouble reading well at night, requiring more light
- seeing bright colours as faded or yellow instead.
- frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescription

So if you are experiencing any of these symptoms or vision changes, please see an eye doctor immediately.

The most common cause of cataract is ageing.
Other causes & risk factors includes
2) injury to The Eye
3) previous eye conditions and past eye surgery
4) other medical conditions like diabetes
5) Long term usage of medications like steroids
6) Prolonged UV or sunlight exposure
7) Smoking
8) Occasionally young children can get cataract too due to congenital causes.

There are no scientifically proven prevention methods, but these tips may be helpful to slow the progression
1) protect your eyes from UV light by wearing sunglasses regularly
2) Stop smoking
3) Have regular eye checks, especially if you are already over 65
4) Have good control over your pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes.

Cataracts are usually not dangerous to eye health unless they become completely white as it can caused raised eye pressure resulting in closed angle glaucoma.

Now, cataracts cannot be treated with medications.
For mild cases of cataract, lifestyle changes like using prescription glasses or improving the lighting at home can be adopted.
When even lifestyle changes can’t help to compensate the visual impairment, then surgery is the only way to treat cataract.

During a cataract surgery, your eye surgeon will remove the eye’s cloudy natural lens and replace it with an artificial lens. It Is a a small operation and highly effective and safe. In experienced hands, the surgery may take only 30 minutes!

Cataracts are very common reason people lose vision. However it is very treatable and should not be ignored.Like and subscribe to my channel.
Till the next time, stay safe and stay healthy.

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