by Malouf Eye | May 23, 2023 | Cataracts
A cataract is a common age-related eye condition that results in the clouding of the natural crystalline lens within the eye, leading to reduced vision, glare, and halos. There are various kinds of cataracts that differ according to the site and appearance of the opacity in the lens. Fortunately, all cataracts that affect vision can be surgically corrected by replacing the cloudy lens with an artificial one.
Age-Related Cataracts
Two age-related cataracts that are considered normal in the aging process are nuclear sclerotic cataracts and cortical cataracts. Both of these cataracts are frequent in individuals over 50 years of age.
Nuclear sclerotic cataracts occur in the center of the crystalline lens of the eye, within the nucleus, causing hazy and yellowing vision. These are the most common type of cataracts and are responsible for most referrals for cataract surgery.
Cortical cataracts are less prevalent than the nuclear sclerotic form and occur on the outer layers of the crystalline lens cortex. These appear as dots or spokes of opacities and may not impact vision unless they affect the line of sight and obstruct clear vision.
Cataracts NOT Associated with Aging
Unlike age-related cataracts, there are other types of cataracts not considered a normal part of aging. Some of them are posterior subcapsular cataracts, Christmas tree cataracts, and sunflower cataracts.
Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts (PSC)
Posterior subcapsular cataracts occur on the back surface of the crystalline lens and affect vision more than other forms of cataracts because they are small but central in the line of sight.
Long-term steroid use, both eye drops and oral medication, is a common cause of developing these cataracts, which can also be associated with diabetes and develop earlier than expected for normal aging.
Christmas Tree and Sunflower Cataracts
Christmas tree cataracts and sunflower cataracts are named after their appearance. Christmas tree cataracts have a shimmering, multi-colored appearance, whereas sunflower cataracts are in a petal-shaped appearance with a brown or yellow hue.
Christmas tree cataracts are uncommon and associated with diabetes. Sunflower cataracts are infrequent and associated with Wilson’s disease, which leads to the accumulation of copper in the body.
Symptoms and Treatments for Cataracts
Cataracts are characterized by hazy vision or halos in the affected eye, which can significantly impact a person’s visual acuity and quality of life. Impaired night vision and difficulty driving may be symptoms that cause enough issues to warrant further treatment.
While some cataracts are common in aging individuals, others are associated with medication use or underlying medical conditions.
Early detection, through routine eye exams, is key to managing cataracts and improving visual acuity, and the patient’s quality of life.
To treat cataracts, a surgery called cataract extraction is performed to remove the crystalline lens and replace it with an implant. This is a very safe and common procedure.
This surgery allows the cataract to be removed entirely and it will not return — regardless of which type of cataract is present or if there is a mixture of multiple types of cataracts.
Dr. Jorge Malouf and the staff of the Malouf Eye specialize in a variety of ophthalmologic conditions and treatments including cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, strabismus surgery, neuro-ophthalmology exams, oculoplastics, diabetes and more. Call our ophthalmologist in Tampa, FL today at 813-798-2020 if you are interested in different types of cataracts. Our eye doctor provides only the highest quality eye care and surgical services amongst eye doctors in the Tampa, Florida area.
by Malouf Eye | May 9, 2023 | Cornea
A pterygium is a common eye condition that affects many people across the world. Generally, pterygium is a non-cancerous growth on the surface of the eye that can grow over time, distort vision and impact the appearance of the eye. Fortunately, if the growth is causing significant problems, treatment is available. The most comprehensive and common treatment is surgical excision.
When is Surgery Needed for a Pterygium
Pterygium surgery involves the removal of the entire growth from the surface of the eye. Surgery may be required if the growth encroaches on the visual axis or creates astigmatism, which requires vision correction.
This can be seen by observing how close the pterygium comes to reaching the center of the pupil and whether or not new glasses or contact lenses are needed due to the increase in astigmatism power of the cornea.
Who Develops a Pterygium
Developing a pterygium can be completely unexplained, but there are factors that increase the risk and prevalence of a pterygium beginning.
Patients at risk include those who frequently expose their eyes to sunlight, wind, and dust, as well as patients with past history of pterygium recurrences.
Construction workers are notoriously susceptible to developing a pterygium given the demands of the profession.
The Pterygium Surgery Procedure
Pterygium surgery is an outpatient procedure and typically lasts around thirty minutes. Local anesthesia is used to numb the eye, so you won’t feel any pain or discomfort throughout the surgery.
The steps to remove the pterygium and repair the eye will vary based on the size of the pterygium and its position on the eye.
The surgeon will remove the pterygium, cutting it out along with the abnormal surface tissue over the white of the eye or sclera.
It may also involve removing a small portion of the sclera when needed to completely remove the lesion.
After removing the pterygium, the gap in the sclera will be filled with a graft from your own conjunctiva, the mucus membrane of the eye, or can be filled with outside sources such as stem cells or amniotic tissue.
Once the graft is in place, an eye patch is placed and the procedure is complete.
Recovery from Pterygium Surgery
Most patients can resume their normal activities within one to two days after the procedure. It is important to follow your eye doctor’s instructions after the surgery to ensure proper healing.
To speed recovery, avoid strenuous exercise, use ice or cool compresses, wear protective goggles and sunglasses, and make sure to use all medication eye drops as directed.
Additional follow-up visits are needed to verify that the entire pterygium was removed and that the graft is healed properly.
Benefits of Pterygium Excision
A pterygium excision is not a small procedure – it requires multiple incisions, excision, and grafting. Despite this, the procedure is very safe and effective.
This procedure is the main treatment for any pterygium that is creating symptoms – it will improve the appearance of the eye, reduce astigmatism, and improve the clarity of sight in the eye.
Dr. Jorge Malouf and the staff of the Malouf Eye specialize in a variety of ophthalmologic conditions and treatments including cataract surgery, glaucoma surgery, strabismus surgery, neuro-ophthalmology exams, oculoplastics, diabetes and more. Call our ophthalmologist in Tampa, FL today at 813-798-2020 if you are interested in learning more about pterygium surgery Our eye doctor provides only the highest quality eye care and surgical services amongst eye doctors in the Tampa, Florida area.
Recent Comments