Presbyopia · Cataracts
What is presbyopia?
Presbyopia is a natural aging phenomenon that occurs as the elasticity of the eye's lens decreases with age, making it difficult to see close distances clearly.
It typically begins around the age of 40 and can occur in anyone.
Normal focus position
Presbyopia Focus Position
The primary symptoms of presbyopia
My eyes feel gritty and heavy.
I'm wearing reading glassesbecause the text is hard to see.
Vision deterioratesin dark places.
Reading gives me a headache.
What is a cataract?
Cataracts are a condition where the lens inside the eye, which functions like a camera lens, becomes cloudy, causing blurred vision.
A normal lens is transparent, accurately transmitting light to the retina.
However, when cataracts develop, the lens becomes cloudy, causing vision to appear hazy like looking through fog and making light appear blurred.
Normal lens
Cataract lens
Common symptoms of cataracts
Objects appear to overlap.
Even with the magnifying glass, it's not clear.
Distinguishing colorsbecomes difficult.
The light appears to be spreading.
Glareoccurs.
Types of Cataracts
Age-related cataract
Congenital cataract
Secondary cataract
Traumatic cataract
Diabetic cataract
Drug-induced cataract
Causes of Cataracts
Age
This is the most common cause of cataracts. As we age, the lens gradually hardens and becomes cloudy, leading to cataract formation.
Genetics
If someone in your family has cataracts, your chances of developing cataracts may be higher due to genetics.
Diabetes
People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing cataracts. High blood sugar can affect the proteins in the lens, leading to cataract formation.
Trauma
Damage to the lens following an eye injury or trauma can lead to cataracts.
medication
Steroid medications are a common type of drug that can cause cataracts.
UV exposure
Excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays can damage the cells in the lens, potentially leading to cataracts.
Cataract Treatment
Initial treatment
Follow-up observation and medication
In the early stages of cataracts, if vision loss is minimal and daily life is not significantly impaired, management can involve regular monitoring and slowing the progression with eye drops. However, eye drops alone cannot restore clarity to a clouded lens.
Fundamental treatment
Cataract surgery
The fundamental treatment for cataracts is surgery. The cloudy lens is removed, and an intraocular lens (IOL) is inserted in its place to restore vision.
FAQ
Q. Can cataracts be treated with medication?
현재까지 혼탁해진 수정체를 다시 투명하게 만드는 약물 치료는 없습니다. 점안액(백내장 예방 안약 등)은 진행을 늦추는 데 도움을 줄 수 있지만, 이미 진행된 백내장을 완전히 없애지는 못합니다. 근본적인 치료는 수술입니다.
Q. [Recurrence] Can cataracts develop again after surgery?
이미 제거한 수정체 자체는 다시 백내장이 생기지 않지만, 수술 후 후발성 백내장이라는 현상이 나타날 수 있습니다. 이는 인공 렌즈를 받쳐주는 얇은 막(후낭)이 혼탁해지는 것으로, 레이저 치료로 비교적 간단히 개선할 수 있습니다.
Q. How are cataracts diagnosed?
현미경 검사를 통해 수정체의 혼탁 정도를 직접 확인합니다. 시력 검사, 안압 검사, 망막 검사 등을 함께 시행하여 전반적인 눈 상태를 평가합니다.
Q. Can cataracts be prevented?
노화로 인한 백내장을 완전히 예방하기는 어렵지만, 자외선 차단 선글라스 착용, 금연, 당뇨 관리, 항산화 성분이 풍부한 음식 섭취 등이 진행을 늦추는 데 도움이 됩니다. 정기적인 안과 검진으로 조기 발견하는 것이 중요합니다.
Q. When should I have cataract surgery?
일상생활에 불편함을 느낄 정도로 시력이 저하되었을 때 수술을 고려합니다. 운전, 독서, TV 시청 등에 어려움이 생기거나 직업상 정밀한 시력이 필요한 경우 수술 시기를 앞당기기도 합니다.
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Latest Information on Cataracts at Jin Eye Center
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