Cataracts in the elderly

Katarak adalah penyakit mata yang ditandai dengan kekaburan lensa yang membuat penglihatan kabur. Kondisi ini biasanya terjadi pada orang tua dan dapat terjadi pada satu atau kedua mata. Namun, katarak bukan jenis penyakit menular.

 The lens of the eye is the transparent part behind the pupil (black spot in the middle of the eye), which functions to focus the light entering the retina through the eye so that objects can be seen clearly. As we get older, the protein in the lens will freeze and slowly make the lens cloudy and foggy. This causes blurred and unclear vision.

Cataract is the main cause of blindness in Indonesia. According to the results of a blindness survey conducted in 15 provinces in 2014-2016, 70% to 80% of the main causes of blindness and vision problems in Indonesia are cataracts.
Symptoms of cataracts in the elderly

Cataracts usually develop slowly. Initially, the sufferer will not see vision problems because only a small portion of the lens has cataracts. But over time, the cataract will worsen and cause the following symptoms:

• Look weak and foggy.
• Eyes are more sensitive when they see dazzling light.
• Look at the halos around the light source.
• Difficult to see clearly at night.
• The color looks faded or not too bright.
• The objects seemed to multiply.
• The size of the lens of the glasses often changes.

Although cataracts do not usually cause eye pain, patients may experience eye pain, especially if the cataract is severe or the patient has other eye disorders.

Causes and risk factors for cataracts in the elderly
The process of lens disruption during aging is not yet clearly known. However, several factors can increase the risk of developing cataracts, including:

• The eyes are too often in the sun.
• Certain diseases, such as diabetes, hereditary retinal lesions (retinitis pigmentosa) or inflammation of the middle layer of the eye (uveitis).
• Corticosteroid consumption in the long term.
• Has had eye surgery.
• Have had an eye injury.
• Have a family with a history of cataracts.
• Poor eating habits and deprivation
• Consumption of alcoholic drinks in large quantities regularly.
• Smoke.

Diagnosis of cataracts in the elderly

To get a diagnosis of cataracts, an ophthalmologist will ask questions about the history of the disease and symptoms that may be experienced by the patient. Then, the doctor will examine the patient's eyes, then further tests such as:

• Visual acuity test. During this test, the patient will be asked to read the letter within 6 meters using one eye, while the other eye will be closed. Because the letters shown are smaller and smaller, patients cannot read them clearly.
• Slit lamp inspection. Slit lamp examination uses a special microscope equipped with light to illuminate the aim, iris and cornea of ​​the eye. This light will help the doctor to better see eye disorders.
• Retinal examination. Made by giving drops to make pupils dilate. With the help of a special tool called the ophthalmoscope, doctors will more easily see the state of the retina.

Treatment of cataracts in the elderly

Cataract surgery is the only treatment for cataracts in the elderly. But the decision to undergo surgery takes into account the disruption of daily activities or not, such as driving a vehicle or reading.

In cataract surgery, the cloudy lens will be removed and replaced with an artificial lens. This artificial lens is made of plastic or silicone and can be used for life. While in conditions where the artificial lens cannot be adjusted, patients must wear glasses or contact lenses after cataract surgery to improve their vision.

Cataract surgery is performed under local anesthesia, so that the eye becomes numb and is usually without hospitalization. Eye discomfort is usually felt a few days after surgery. In patients with cataracts in both eyes, surgery is performed separately until recovery from the first intervention, which lasts about 6 to 12 weeks.
Complications of cataracts in the elderly
Cataract surgery is a safe operation. However, there is always a risk of bleeding and infection after cataract surgery, although this is rare. Another risk that may occur after surgery is retinal detachment, the state of retinal detachment from its normal position. This condition can cause partial or complete loss of vision. Contact your doctor immediately if symptoms of retinal detachment appear, such as the appearance of blackheads that appear to float on vision (floaters) after cataract surgery.

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