Cataract (right) removal and intraocular lens implant Essay

Cataract (right) removal and intraocular lens implant - Essay Example The patient may need brighter light to read or may go in for frequent changes in glasses. In advanced stages there may be double vision in a single eye. Cataract does not cause pain. Only a hyper mature cataract may cause pain, redness and inflammation and this is rare. Cataract affects lens in the eyes which is located just behind the iris and the pupil. It may or may not affect the entire lens. The lens consists of three layers. The outer layer which is the capsule is a thin, clear membrane. It surrounds a soft, clear material called cortex. The hard center of the lens is the nucleus. A cataract can form in any part of the lens. In most cases, cataract develops in both the eyes. However, cataract occurring as a consequence of injury or trauma can occur in single eyes. In normal eyes, the lens focuses light, producing clear, sharp images on the retina. Due to cataract, the lens becomes clouded, which scatters the light and prevents a sharply defined image from reaching your retina, causing blurred vision. Nuclear cataract: This type of cataract occurs in the nucleus of the lens. There may be a temporary improvement in the reading vision in the initial stages due to the way it focuses light. However, as the lens gets clouded, vision gradually diminishes. Dim light vision and driving at night may be especially troublesome. Advanced discoloration can lead to difficulty distinguishing between shades of blue and purple. Cortical cataract: This type of cataract occurs in the cortex and begins as whitish, wedge-shaped opacities or streaks on the outer edge of the lens cortex and gradually encroach the centre. Both the distance and near vision can be impaired. Focusing and glare problems along with distortion and loss of contrast are also common. Subcapsular cataract: A subcapsular cataract starts as a small, opaque area just under the capsule of the