Cataract And You

What is a cataract?

Cataract occurs as a result of clouding of the naturally clear lens in the eye.  A clear lens is essential to focus light, or an image, onto the retina (the photoreceptor).  In a normal eye, light passes through a transparent lens to the retina. Once it reaches the retina, light is changed into electrical signals that are sent to the brain to be interpreted as an image.  The lens must be clear for the retina to receive a sharp image. If the lens is cloudy (due to cataract), the image you see will also be blurred. 

Causes of the cataract

Most cataracts are age-related. Majority of elderly people who are older than 60 years old will have some amount of cataract affecting their vision. It may be the result of a lifetime exposure to ultraviolet radiation contained in sunlight during their daily activities, or may be related to other lifestyle factors such as cigarette smoking, diet, and alcohol consumption. Cataract can also occur much earlier as a result of eye trauma, exposure to toxic substances / radiation, or following certain diseases such as diabetes mellitus. It can also be secondary to taking medication such as steroid for a long time.

A small minority of cataracts may even be present at birth due to genetic defects, developmental abnormality or exposure to diseases such as rubella during pregnancy. These are known as congenital cataracts.  

What are the symptoms of a cataract?

Cataract started to develop in your eyes as early as 40 years old. Initially, most cataract is mild and do not affect vision.  With time, cataracts worsen and eventually reduce your quality of vision in one way or the other.  Symptoms usually develop over many years and these include:

• Cloudy or blurry vision.
• Colors seem faded.
• Glare with headlights, lamps, or sunlight.
• A halo may appear around lights.
• Poor night vision.
• Double vision or multiple images in one eye.
• If you wear glasses, you may find that they have become less effective and frequent change of your glasses or contact lenses is needed.

Typically, these symptoms occur slowly without any eye pain and progressively worsen with time.  Early detection is essential.

How is a cataract detected?

If you have problems with your vision, you should consult your ophthalmologist.  They will be able to detect the presence as well as the severity of your cataract. Sometimes, cataracts are diagnosed during a routine eye test, even if you have had no visual symptoms.

How is a cataract treated?

Cataract can only be treated with a surgery which involves removal of the cloudy lens and implantation of an artificial biocompatible clear plastic lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL), into the eye

What can I do to protect my vision?

Unfortunately it is not possible to prevent cataract. Wearing sunglasses and a hat with a brim to block ultraviolet sunlight may help to delay cataract. Adopting a healthy life style with no smoking and excess alcohol consumption is also helpful. Researchers also believe good nutrition can help reduce the risk of age-related cataract. They recommend eating green leafy vegetables, fruit, and other foods with antioxidants.

In summary, if you are 60 years old or older, you should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year for early detection of cataract, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and other vision disorder. Timely and appropriate treatment of cataract will improve your vision and allow you to enjoy a better quality of life.

By Dr Sim (Malaysia Eye Specialist)

Dr Sylvia's favourite skin rejuvenation facials?

Over time UV, chemicals, stress and our environment can cause our skin to have clogged pores, dullness, and rough texture. Various facial treatments are available that provide the benefits of deep pores cleansing, exfoliation, repair and hydration, not to mention relaxation.   Aesthetic facials, advanced cosmoceutical skin care products, and sunscreen can be some of the key differences that keep your skin in shape today, and for years to come. But what is effective in maintaining a beautiful skin? Here are some of the treatments recommended by dermatologists and aesthetic doctors:

Lunchtime Peels
Superficial chemical peels with glycolic acid, lactic acid and so on is very effective for whitening of the skin, combating dull skin complexion, blackheads and whiteheads. Downtime is minimal to nil. After 3-5 days, skin peels in a small flakes and a glowing and finer skin can be expected. As superficial peels are very gentle, it can be repeated once a month and there is no worry about skin thinning. In fact, appropriate peel is proven to stimulate new collagen and prevent fine lines.

Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion exfoliates the ‘older’ skin and thus promotes new skin grow. The controlled exfoliation is very safe and enhances skin care production. This microdermabrasion facial treatment also indirectly clears the dirt and debris in the pores, improves large pores, coarse skin texture and oily skin.

Iontophoresis
Iontophoresis or is a technique using small electric charge to deliver high concentration of active skin care ingredients deep into the skin. It is basically an injection without needle. The active ingredients include pure Vitamin C or Vitamin Cocktail, hyaluronic acid (super hydration agents) and peptides (synthetic or plant origin). Extremely comfortable and relaxing, the vitamins are penetrated 10-20X deeper into the skin, hydrate and lift up the skin. The results are definitely longer lasting and much significant than applying cream.

IPL Photofacial
IPL or Intense Pulsed Light has been the choice of many men and lady to maintain a youthful skin and delay skin aging. IPL Photofacial takes only 15 minutes but provides instant rejuvenation results. The skin is instantly firmer, smoother and fairer, pores size minimized and sebum production is controlled (means less or no acne). This zero downtime facial is the favorite choice for those who has hectic schedule.  After the photofacial, follow with hydrating mask or iontophoresis for a complete boost. IPL is ideal for any age group and skin type.

Laser Rejuvenation
If  feeling bored with the above facial treatment, do consider laser rejuvenation such as  laser carbon peels, laser genesis and even a mild fractional CO2 laser session for a change. These laser skin rejuvenation treatments are safe, effective and cause minimal to nil downtime. Besides, acne scars, pigmentations and large pores problems improve.

Conclusion
Time has changed and people  has higher expectation about their skin care regime. They look  for skin care treatments from aesthetic clinic or centres  that bring out  instant, clinically proven  and longer lasting results.  The minimal invasive aesthetic  facials are getting more popular.