FAQ

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, which is normally clear and transparent. When a cataract develops, the lens becomes foggy like a frosted window. There are many misconceptions about cataracts. They are not tumors, or a new growth of skin or tissue over the eye. They don't spread from eye to eye, and they're not caused by using your eyes too much. In fact, no one knows what causes cataracts, or how to prevent them. They usually develop gradually over a period of years, and are considered a normal part of the aging process. Most of us, if we live long enough, will develop cataracts.

What causes cataracts?

Cataracts occur when there is a change in the chemical composition of the lens. The exact cause can't always be determined, but normal aging of the eye is the most common factor related to the development of cataracts.

What is senile Cataract ? How is it treated ?

Cataract is the natural clouding of the eye lens with age. As it gradually transforms from a transparent structure into an opaque one it progressively diminishes the amount of light that can enter and stimulate the Retina (back of eye, that bears similarity to photographic film in a camera). This results in perceiving faded colors, glares, hazy view, inability to read or no vision at all.
The corrective treatment is only surgical which is called Phaco-Emulsification. The clouded lens is broken into tiny pieces with ultrasound probe and sucked out through a very tiny cut. In its place a clear synthetic inert Lens is fixed inside the eye. This results in immediate restoration of vision.

What is Glaucoma?

Glaucoma, is primarily related to increased fluid pressure in the eye causing loss of side vision. It is a series of diseases which damage the optic nerve. Damage to the optic nerve and retina causes blind spots in the field of vision. If the entire nerve is destroyed, blindness will occur. When light enters the eye, an image is focused onto the retina, the delicate nerve layer lining the inside back wall of the eye. The retina then transforms the light images into electrical impulses which are carried to the brain by the optic nerve.

Do wearing wrong powered glasses or not wearing them if one is prescribed, results in further weakening in vision ?

No. This can only result in bury vision, headache or discomfort for that moment at the maximum. Inability to see far objects (short-sightedness) if present, can increase (requiring stronger minus glasses) as you age till it stabilizes when you reach around 18 to 21 years. Therefore this is the age when your doctor can safely perform a LASER removal of glasses. During these year, whether you wear wrong powered glasses or do not wear them at all, is not going to effect if your prescription is going to increase or not.

Do all patients with Diabetes need to see an Eye Doctor ?

Yes. All diabetics, specially those with poor control eventually develop poor blood flow throughout the body including eyes. This bring about structural changes particularly in the back of eye (Retina) which an eye doctor can see with special lenses. while these changes begin to appear does not necessarily mean that the patient is going to experience a change in vision. Nevertheless if this process continues unchecked a permanent and severe vision loss may result. It is therefore necessary that a patient with diabetes (controlled / uncontrolled) should see an Eye doctor at least once a year. Only then the doctor would be in a position to take timely corrective measures when necessary.

What is senile Cataract ? How is it treated ?

Cataract is the natural clouding of the eye lens with age. As it gradually transforms from a transparent structure into an opaque one it progressively diminishes the amount of light that can enter and stimulate the Retina (back of eye, that bears similarity to photographic film in a camera). This results in perceiving faded colors, glares, hazy view, inability to read or no vision at all. The corrective treatment is only surgical which is called Phaco-Emulsification. The clouded lens is broken into tiny pieces with ultrasound probe and sucked out through a very tiny cut. In its place a clear synthetic inert Lens is fixed inside the eye. This results in immediate restoration of vision.

Do wearing wrong powered glasses or not wearing them if one is prescribed, results in further weakening in vision ?

No. This can only result in bury vision, headache or discomfort for that moment at the maximum. Inability to see far objects (short-sightedness) if present, can increase (requiring stronger minus glasses) as you age till it stabilizes when you reach around 18 to 21 years. Therefore this is the age when your doctor can safely perform a LASER removal of glasses. During these year, whether you wear wrong powered glasses or do not wear them at all, is not going to effect if your prescription is going to increase or not.

Do all patients with Diabetes need to see an Eye Doctor ?

Yes. All diabetics, specially those with poor control eventually develop poor blood flow throughout the body including eyes. This bring about structural changes particularly in the back of eye (Retina) which an eye doctor can see with special lenses. while these changes begin to appear does not necessarily mean that the patient is going to experience a change in vision. Nevertheless if this process continues unchecked a permanent and severe vision loss may result. It is therefore necessary that a patient with diabetes (controlled / uncontrolled) should see an Eye doctor at least once a year. Only then the doctor would be in a position to take timely corrective measures when necessary.

DR. SOHAIB ABBAS MALIK

DR. Sohaib Abbas Malik is a skilled ophthalmic surgeon working as an associate ophthalmologist at LRBT, Multan Rd. Hospital. He is formally trained in UVEITIS through a fellowship program from Dept. of Ophthalmology, University of Utah, Salt lake city USA.

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