Long Term Effects

Cataract is highly preventable if sufficient knowledge regarding the condition is known. However, if a patient fails to recognize cataract and implement necessary interventions and treatment it could result to complications and progressive blindness. Cataract may progress to glaucoma if the patient does not recognize the possible detrimental effects of cataract formation.

Glaucoma

The term glaucoma designates eye disease characterized by increased intraocular pressure associated with progressive loss of peripheral visual fields. Glaucoma is generally classified into two types: an open angle and angle closure (closed angle). It is also classified as primary or secondary. When the cause is known, the glaucoma is designated as secondary; when it is not known, it is called primary. Secondary glaucoma can result from advanced cataract or contracture of fibromuscular membranes in the anterior chamber, papillary block interfering with the flow of aqueous humor from the posterior to the anterior chamber, or closure of the anterior chamber angle as a result of forward shift of the peripheral iris.

Glaucoma results when the intraocular pressure is increased sufficiently to produce damage to the optic nerve. In the case of cataract, wherein there is opacity of the lens, the anterior chamber is also affected when the condition is advanced causing glaucoma. Normally there is a balance between production and drainage of aqueous humor, permitting the intraocular pressure to remain relatively constant. The normal range of IOP is 10 to 21 mmHg. Obstruction in any part of the outflow channels results in backup of fluid and increased pressure. It is important to detect and treat this disease because the permanent vision loss is possible but highly preventable.

Visual Impairment

Cataract causes reduce visual acuity, clouding of the lens, blurring of vision, and progressive loss of vision. If treatment is not prompted accordingly, permanent vision loss is possible to happen to the affected eye. Loss of visual acuity may range from profound to be slight; visual field loss may be peripheral or central; or there may be other visual functions affected such as “dark adaptation”. Visual impairment can cause more than just difficulty in mobility and communication. Difficulties also arise in carrying out personal care, housework, cooking, and home maintenance. These limitations in activities may be even greater in older persons who tend to have more severe impairments. Thus, safety is one of the great priorities in patients with cataract and visual impairment. Cataract could affect a single eye but has the tendency to affect both eyes, especially in the advanced stage.

Vision is the sense that permits persons to control their environment and themselves in relation to that environment. Loss of vision can limit the interaction between persons and their environment.

Blindness is possibly one of the last resorts of cataract. It imposes limitations in the range and variety of experiences, in mobility, and in orientation to the environment. Limitations in the range and variety of experiences are related to the fact that a person cannot see must use touch and kinesthetic experience to gain knowledge of the world.

Prevention is the key to a healthy visual function. Proper and annual eye examination would be helpful to assess and determine any visual abnormalities.