CATARACT IN MALAYSIA

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Cataract is a leading cause of blindness in Malaysia according National Eye Survey with 216,000 Malaysians became blind without treatment and another 272,000 are visually impaired due to Cataract.

 

60% of the 63,000 of Malaysians aged 50 years and above who are blind due to the condition is treatable. Most experienced ophthalmologists agree that the primary reason leading to the high statistics of untreated cataract cases Malaysia are due to patients not realizing the importance of having cataract surgery.

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WHAT IS CATARACT?
A cataract is the clouding or loss of transparency of the natural lens of the eyes. Cataract presents itself as blurred or dim vision as the lens which is responsible for focusing light to the retina is clouded.

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SYMPTOMS OF CATARACT

• At  early stage, patient will experience a little vision blurring like looking through a cloudy piece of glass

• blurring progresses and prescribed spectacles or contact lenses would not improve vision

• Sensitivity to sunlight and bright light

• Difficulty reading small prints

• Poor night vision

• Reduction in color intensity in vision​

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WHAT CAUSES CATARACT?

​No one is certain of the reason for changes in the lens ageing takes place. However, researches worldwide believe that the following are the risk factors causing cataract:

• Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light 

• Diseases such as diabetes and hypertension

• Obesity 

• Eye injury/trauma

• Prolonged use of steroid or hormonal treatments 

• Congenital condition (present at birth)​

• Habits such as smoking and significant alcohol consumption 

• High Myopia and family history​

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TREATMENT

Many people accept cataract as an inevitable part of ageing. However, cataract disease is treatable and the cataract surgery is relatively simple and painless procedure. There are various types of surgery, such as ultrasonic or laser, which breaks down the cataract and allows the surgeon to extract the clouded lens and replace it with an artificial lens, which are inserted into the eyes during surgery.

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How to choose a suitable artificial lens?

• Monofocal - Distance vision correction       

• Multifocal Lens - Near and distance vision correction    

• Toric Lens - Astigmatism correction

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What is the special care after cataract surgery?

• Apply eye drops as advised by the doctor

• Wear an eye shield when sleeping

• Wear UV protected sunglasses when going out under the sun

• Avoid smoky and dusty areas

• Avoid rubbing, squeezing or putting pressure on the eyes

• Be careful when washing the face and hair – do prevent soap water from entering the eyes

• Avoid cooking for two weeks or until given approval by the doctor​​

You will need to return for an eye examination the day after your surgery. Further appointments are usually called for at 1 week and 1 month after your operation. Keep all your appointments, even if you feel and see well.