Cataracts often act as a stealthy thief of vision, with many\nsufferers unaware of the gradual decline in their sight. Dr Amir Shidik,\na cataract and refractive surgery ophthalmologist, says many patients do\nnot recognise the deterioration in their visual function because the\ncondition develops so slowly.<\/p>\n
\u2018The problem is that cataracts progress gradually, taking months to\nyears. So often patients are not aware that they have started cataracts\nand their vision is worsening,\u2019 Dr Amir said at a health discussion in\nJakarta recently.<\/p>\n
A cataract is a condition in which the lens of the eye becomes\ncloudy, causing impaired sight. Under normal circumstances, a clear lens\nfocuses light sharply onto a point on the retina. But in cataract\npatients, the clouding scatters the incoming image, making it haloed and\nunfocused.<\/p>\n
He explained that cataracts closely relate to ageing. Data show the\nprevalence of cataracts rising sharply to as high as 70 percent among\npeople aged 70 and above.<\/p>\n
Although progression is slow, there are several clinical signs that\ncan be identified as cataract symptoms, including:<\/p>\n
One unique sign is second sight, where sufferers suddenly feel their\nnear vision improves (they can read without glasses), while distance\nvision deteriorates drastically. This occurs because the cataractous\nlens pulls in fluid, becoming more convex and increasing the minus\ndioptre.<\/p>\n
Dr Amir added that if cataract has reached an advanced stage, a white\ncolour will appear in the pupil. Although cataract can occur in one eye\nor both, he stressed that the clouding of the lens is not contagious and\ndoes not spread from one eye to the other.<\/p>\n
Given its progressive yet elusive nature, routine eye examinations\nare the key to detecting cataracts early, especially for older people or\nthose with high risk factors.<\/p>\n
Cataract is the condition in which the clarity of the eye\u2019s lens\nchanges, causing visual impairment that blocks light from entering the\neye.<\/p>\n
The number of cataract cases in Indonesia continues to rise and has\nentered a backlog stage. Limited access and myths act as barriers, even\nthough the risk of blindness can be prevented.<\/p>\n
Ophthalmologist Dr Amir Shidik emphasises that surgery is the only\nway to cure cataracts.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/beware-of-cataracts-doctor-says-symptoms-are-often-unnoticed-by-patients-1779542712", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }