Roughly half of all people older than 65 are affected by cataracts, the number rises to 75 percent for seniors aged over 70. Underestimating the ailment entirely can lead to blindness, but the good news is that it can be treated surgically, even in an outpatient setting.
With cataracts the lens of the eye gets clouded, it is visible on the eye as a white or gray tint of the pupil. "Vision is impaired due to the clouding of the lens, where the patient has blurred vision as if looking through fogged glass. There are changes in the proteins that make up the lens, where the tissue of the normally transparent lens becomes opaque," explains Dr. Vadim Fridman, MBA, FEBO, Chief Physician of Ophthalmology at Canadian Medical.
Causes and symptoms
Cataracts are mainly an age-related disease – it is a natural process of aging of the human eye and lens. However, the actual cause of cataracts is not yet fully understood, and there are many factors that may also contribute to the development of the disease. Some patients are born with cataracts – in such cases, genes play a particularly important role. If cataracts develop in a newborn, it could be due to an infection the mother contracted while she was pregnant. Initially, it may not affect vision in any way, but the cloudiness gradually increases and vision deteriorates. The patient does not necessarily suffer from eye irritation, pain, or other problems. Cataracts are more likely to affect both eyes. The speed of development of the disease is highly individual – it can take months or years.
Treatment
If a patient starts to notice any symptoms, it is necessary to see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. They will examine the family history and the patient's specific visual complications. This is followed by an eye examination to confirm or refute the diagnosis. "The doctor will measure the visual acuity and refraction of the eye. The examination will then focus on the vitreoretinal interface, but the focus will be on the lens, the background of the eye, and the peripheral retina. Instruments such as a slit lamp or ophthalmoscope are used in the examination. At Canadian Medical, we also examine clients with an OCT (optical coherence tomography) machine. The pupillary reflex, eye movements, intraocular pressure, and usually the patient's field of vision are also examined," describes Dr. Fridman.
Cataracts cannot be treated using medication or glasses. In some patients, the deterioration of vision can be slowed down, at least temporarily, with glasses or contact lenses; however, the only treatment option is surgery, in which the clouded lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one. The artificial intraocular lens stays in the eye permanently. It perfectly compensates for the dioptric power of the original lens, so that by choosing the right type of artificial lens, myopia and hyperopia can be eliminated. The patient can also choose a multifocal lens, which improves vision at all distances. The operation is always indicated by an ophthalmologist. It is performed on an outpatient basis, is gentle and painless, and usually takes no longer than ten minutes. What does take longer is the preparation of the patient for the surgery itself. And another piece of positive news – cataract surgery, including a basic intraocular lens, is fully covered by all health insurance companies.
Recovery
Since the procedure is performed in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia, the patient should be able to go home immediately after the cataract surgery, of course, with a chaperone. Subsequent recovery of vision is quite rapid – complete stabilization of vision occurs within 2 to 4 weeks. In the first few days after surgery, the patient may experience a slight burning sensation or watery eyes. However, if the pain is severe and the eyes are red, if there is light blindness or sudden deterioration of vision, an immediate visit to the doctor is required. Cataract drops or artificial tears are then used to prevent any inflammatory responses. As part of the post-operative regimen, it is advisable to limit activities that can be strenuous to the eyes. Wear sunglasses, avoid going to the sauna or swimming pool, avoid dusty environments, and protect the eyes from damage. Also, intraocular pressure should be monitored, e.g. deep bending, sleeping on the stomach, lifting heavy objects, rubbing the eye, or applying makeup are not recommended. Inflammation or bleeding may occur in the early postoperative period, and there is also a risk of a change in intraocular pressure. Later on, retinal detachment, clouding of the posterior lens capsule, or a change in the position of the new lens may occur.
Is there a way to prevent it?
The real possibility of prevention is questionable, and the early onset of cataracts cannot be completely prevented. However, studies show that it can be at least partially delayed by protecting the eyes from UV radiation and following a balanced diet rich in antioxidants. The diet should include vitamins A, C, and E, carotenoids, and foods containing omega-3 fatty acids. The risk factors leading to cataracts are obesity and smoking; diabetics are in greater danger as well. Then there are factors that cannot be influenced, such as age as previously mentioned. Other such factors are hereditary predispositions or gender (cataracts are more common in women due to fluctuating hormone levels).
CANADIAN MEDICAL
The history of Canadian Medical stretches back to the mid-90s when a small clinic was established in Prague by Canadian doctors with the aim of providing foreigners living in the city with the standard of care they were used to from Canada and the US.
They also invited a small team of Czech doctors and nurses to work with them. Through their effort and high level of expertise, this team helped build a facility that could offer more complex outpatient care to its clients. Care that honors the same founding values – the patient always comes first. Canadian Medical has been caring for its patients for more than twenty years now, and thanks to its physicians, nurses, and back-of-house colleagues, it has been not only caring but also growing dramatically. It became part of the Czech healthcare group EUC, transforming into the largest network of high-end clinics in Czechia.
Canadian Medical has eight facilities in Prague and Brno and it added an inpatient ward with two modern operating theaters to its already comprehensive care repertoire.
Canadian Medical remains the first facility of choice for expats in Czechia thanks to the high quality of its care. The majority of its patients, nonetheless, are Czech clients that want to take the best possible care of their health and are looking for a high standard of service.
MUDr. Vadim Fridman, MBA, FEBO
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