A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye
when your eye's natural lens becomes cloudy area that forms in the lens of the eye. Proteins in your lens break down and cause things to look blurry, hazy or less colorful. a cataract can be also found in people aged over 40. Most cataracts develop slowly and don't disturb eyesight early on. But with time, cataracts will eventually affect vision

Factors that increase risk of cataracts include:

• Clouded, blurred or dim vision.
• Trouble seeing at night.
• Sensitivity to light and glare.
• Need for brighter light for reading and other activities.
• Seeing "halos" around lights.
• Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription.
• Fading or yellowing of colors.
• Double vision in one eye.

• Vision test. a visual acuity tests.
• Eye structure exam.
• Retinal exam.
• Fluid pressure test.

The doctor might suggest surgery if your cataracts start getting in the way of everyday activities like reading, driving, or watching TV. During cataract surgery. Cataract surgery involves the removal of the clouded lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens, called an intraocular lens.
Phacoemulsification is a modern cataract surgery approach in which the eye's internal lens is emulsified with an ultrasonic handpiece and the cataracts are aspirated from the eye. Treatments conducted by the specialists for individual patients are planned based primarily upon symptoms, disease severity and each patient’s conditions.

Although no studies have proved how to prevent cataracts or slow the progression of cataracts, these recommendations may be helpful to reduce the risk of cataracts:

• Wearing sunglasses and avoid exposure to sunlight
• Controlling blood sugar level in the desired range for diabetic patients
• Smoke cessation, if smoke
• Eating healthy diets
• Regular exercise
• Having regular eye examinations when aged over 40.

Dr. Kham Od NOUANSAVANH, M.D.
For more information, please contact: 1661 To 1301

Keyword: cataract, Cataract surgery, Phaco, intraocular lens implantation, IOL, Phacoemulsification