Cataract is eye disease characterized by turbidityeye lensso that vision Becomes blurry. This condition is common occurs in the elderly due to age and can occur in one or both eyes at once.
The lens of the eye is the transparent part behind the pupil (the black circle in the center of the eye). This organ functions to focus the light that enters through the pupil right onto the retina so that objects can be seen clearly.
As we age, the protein in the lens of the eye will clump together and slowly make the lens cloudy and cloudy. This causes the lens' ability to focus light to decrease. As a result, vision becomes blurry and unclear.
If left untreated, cataracts can cause blindness. Based on the results of the latest research, 81% of blindness and visual impairment in Indonesia are caused by cataracts.
Causes and Risk Factors for Cataracts in the Elderly
It is not known why the clumping of lens proteins that causes cataracts can occur with age. However, there are several factors that are known to increase a person's risk of developing cataracts, namely:
- Have a family history of cataracts
- Suffering from diabetes
- Smoke
- Have you ever had eye surgery?
- Have you ever had an eye injury?
- Taking corticosteroid drugs in the long term
- Have a job that is often exposed to the sun
- Have an eye disease, such as inherited retinal damage (retinitis pigmentosa) or inflammation of the middle layer of the eye (uveitis)
- Frequent consumption of alcoholic beverages or suffering from alcoholism
- Experiencing obesity
- Suffering from hypertension or high blood pressure
Cataract Symptoms in the Elderly
Cataracts generally develop slowly since a person is 40-50 years old. Initially, the sufferer may not notice any visual disturbances. This is because the lens of the eye can still work quite well even though a cataract has formed.
However, with age, cataracts will worsen and cause a number of symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of cataracts are:
- Faint and foggy vision
- The eyes are more sensitive when they see a dazzling light
- A halo appears when looking at the light source
- Difficulty seeing clearly at night
- Colors look faded or not bright
- Double visible object
- Frequently changing eyeglass lens sizes
Although cataracts generally do not cause pain in the eye, some sufferers can experience these complaints. This usually happens if the cataract is severe or the patient has other eye disorders.
When to go to the doctor
Check with your doctor if you are over 40 years old and start experiencing the above complaints. Early examination and treatment can prevent cataracts from getting worse.
You should also see a doctor if you experience sudden vision changes, such as double vision or sudden eye pain and headache.
Cataract Diagnosis in the Elderly
To diagnose cataracts, the ophthalmologist will ask about the symptoms and complaints experienced, the drugs consumed, as well as the patient and family history of the disease.
Next, the doctor will conduct an examination of the patient's eyes, followed by several supporting examinations, namely:
Visual acuity test
This test aims to measure how well the patient's eyes can read a series of letters of various sizes. The patient will be asked to read the letters at a distance of 6 meters with one eye alternately until the designated letters are not clearly legible.
Inspection slit lamp (slit lamp)
This examination aims to examine the structure of the front of the eye to detect possible abnormalities. Inspection slit lamp This is done using a special microscope equipped with a light to illuminate the lens, iris, and cornea of the eye.
Eye retina examination
This examination aims to examine the back of the eye (retina) using an ophthalmoscope. The doctor will need the help of eye drops to dilate the pupil to make it easier to see the condition of the retina.
Cataract Treatment in the Elderly
If the cataract is not too severe, the doctor will recommend the patient to use the prescribed glasses. Patients will also be advised to adjust the lights at home to be brighter to help vision, especially while reading.
Even so, cataracts will still develop over time, so the patient must undergo cataract surgery. Generally, cataract surgery is recommended for patients whose daily activities, such as driving a vehicle or reading, have been disrupted.
Cataract surgery is performed by removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. These faux lenses are made of plastic or silicone which can be used for a lifetime.
Cataract surgery is performed under local anesthesia and can be done without hospitalization. Patients will generally experience discomfort in the eye for several days after surgery.
In patients with cataracts in both eyes, the surgeries are performed separately about 6–12 weeks apart. The goal is for the patient to recover first from the first operation.
In some cases, artificial lenses cannot be fitted to replace clouded lenses. In this condition, the patient must wear glasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery to help vision.
Cataract Complications in the Elderly
Cataracts that are not treated over time will cause worsening vision problems, even leading to blindness. This of course will limit activities and reduce the quality of life of patients.
Please note, although it is generally safe to do, cataract surgery can also cause several complications, namely:
- Bleeding in the eye
- Hyphema, which is the collection of blood in front of the eyes
- Retinal detachment or detachment of the retina from its normal position
- Endophthalmitis, which is inflammation of the eye caused by infection
Cataract Prevention in the Elderly
Prevention of cataracts in the elderly is difficult because the cause is not known for certain. The best effort that can be done is to reduce the risk factors for cataracts, such as:
- Do not smoke
- Addressing health problems that can increase the risk of cataracts, such as diabetes
- Consuming foods with sufficient nutritional content and balanced nutrition
- Use protection, such as sunglasses, to avoid direct sun exposure
- Avoid or reduce consumption of alcoholic beverages
Regular eye exams can make cataracts detected early. Therefore, do an eye examination every 2-4 years from the age of 40-64 years and once every 1-2 years starting at the age of 65 years.
In patients who have a higher risk of cataracts, doctors will recommend more frequent eye exams.