Traumatic cataract is a condition when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy due to an injury or injury to the eye. This condition can occur within a short time or even years after the eye is injured. If not treated immediately, traumatic cataracts can cause visual disturbances.
The lens of the eye is used to focus vision. This part of the eye is composed of water and protein and is normally clear. However, as we age, the protein structure in the lens of the eye can change and make the lens of the eye gradually become cloudier. This is what triggers cataracts.
Apart from aging, cataracts can also be caused by other things, such as birth defects (congenital cataracts) and impact, injury, or injury to the eye. Cataracts that occur as a result of injury or injury are known as traumatic cataracts.
Causes and Symptoms of Traumatic Cataract
Traumatic cataracts are caused by impact or injury from blunt or sharp objects to the eye. In addition, this condition can also be caused by eye damage from infrared rays, electric shock, exposure to harsh chemicals, to radiation.
When the injury is severe enough, the lens of the eye can shift or tear, causing a traumatic cataract. Injury or injury to the eye can also cause the lens of the eye to become inflamed, so that the lens becomes cloudy.
Symptoms of traumatic cataracts are generally not much different from the symptoms of cataracts in general. The following are some of the symptoms of traumatic cataracts that sufferers can experience:
- Blurred vision
- Difficult to see at night
- Double vision
- Easy to feel dazzled or sensitive to light
- Looks like there is a circle when looking at the light
- Colors look faded or not bright
Steps for Handling Traumatic Cataract
Until now, eye surgery and eye lens replacement are still the main steps in the treatment of traumatic cataracts. Surgery may be performed if a traumatic cataract arises from a severe injury to the eye or someone who has certain conditions, such as:
- Severe visual impairment or even blindness
- Inflammation of the eye lens
- Glaucoma
- Rupture of the eye lens capsule
- Retinal detachment
There are several things that an ophthalmologist considers before recommending surgery, including:
Traumatic cataract severity
The doctor will determine whether the traumatic cataract is mild, severe, or has caused blindness. This step is also carried out to determine other treatments, such as the use of drugs and surgical methods to be used.
Overall condition of the patient
Traumatic cataract sufferers who have diabetes and high blood pressure are more at risk for complications before and after surgery. Therefore, it is necessary to check for health conditions regularly to control blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
Anesthesia Methods for Traumatic Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery can be performed under general or local anesthesia. The method of anesthesia or anesthetic that will be used depends on the severity of the traumatic cataract, the patient's health condition, and the type of eye surgery the doctor will perform.
Cataract surgery is done by removing the cloudy eye lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. This artificial eye lens is made of plastic material, acrylic, or safe silicone.
At least a week before the operation, the ophthalmologist will perform a thorough eye examination and the patient's health condition. This is to determine whether the patient can safely undergo cataract surgery, as well as determine the type of lens to be used as a replacement lens.
Cataract surgery is a relatively safe procedure and the process is fast, so people with traumatic cataracts can see clearly as before.
In certain cases, the doctor will also advise the patient to use glasses or contact lenses to improve visual acuity.
To prevent the occurrence of traumatic cataracts, it is recommended that you wear protective eyewear when performing activities with a risk of injury to the eye, such as extreme sports, laboratory experiments, or welding iron.
If you experience an injury or injury to your eye that causes visual disturbances, you should immediately consult an ophthalmologist to determine whether you are at risk for traumatic cataracts and receive appropriate treatment.
