Cataracts are the most common cause of blindness in the elderly

cataracts are the most common cause of blindness in the elderly, a condition that requires surgery, says Dr. Pablo Soto Gastelum.

In a statement, the specialist of the Center for Research and Teaching in Health Sciences (CIDOCS) of the Autonomous University of Sinaloa (UAS) explained that although this condition is related to aging, may occur as a result of surgery, strokes, diabetes, genetic background among other conditions

The expert said that the main symptoms of this disease may be perceived if the sunlight or a lamp seems excessively dazzling or if during the night the colors are seen with less brightness, in addition to having a blurred vision, a double perception and a glow around the lights.

This, he says, can affect both one and both eyes, which can cause total blindness. According to figures from the World Health Organization (WHO), this disease affects 33% of the world's population and is one of the leading causes of visual impairment in the world

In Mexico, according to figures from the National Council for the Prevention and Treatment of Visual Diseases, it is presented in 50% of people with visual impairment.

To detect this condition, the expert recommended a thorough examination of the eyes. with pupils dilated by drops, where the ophthalmologist closely examines the cornea, the iris, the lens and the space between the iris and the cornea.

Detailed sections of the eye are then examined to rule out other possible conditions. Soto Gastelum said that in the surgical process, the cloudy natural lens is removed and that a transparent artificial lens is placed, better known as the intraocular lens.

Finally, he clarified that surgery does not restore lost vision. Macular degeneration, glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy . EFE