If you are concerned about the health and vision of your cat, you may be considering the possibility of treating your cat's cataracts
A cataract occurs when the crystalline lens of the eye thickens and becomes cloudy. Cataracts can also occur secondary to various diseases, eye problems, or exposure to environmental factors.
Cataracts are usually caused by protein buildup within the cat's body that causes an abnormal build up of fluid around the lens. When left untreated, a cataract causes a clouding of the crystalline lens and loss of vision. There are three basic types of cataracts-cappedillary, lateral, and retinal subcapsular cataracts. Each type of cataract has different treatments for its treatment.
Cataracts treatment begins with diagnosis of the cataract and the disease causing it. For example, the presence of a cataract called subopicous would be diagnosed by x-rays. On the other hand, if a cataract was present called optomeningoencephalitis, the cataracts would be examined by an electron microscope. Other diagnostic tests include cataractoscopy and corneal ultrasonography. All of these methods are used in order to determine the cataract's location, degree, and extent.
The cataracts treatment options are based on the severity of the cataracts and their location. Milder cases will require simple surgery, while more severe cases should be treated with surgery. Surgical procedures are either eyelid surgery (eyelidectomy), which removes a portion of the lower lid of the eye, or inlays (plugs) inlays, which are inserted in a suture and used to cover a portion of the affected eye. A postoperative intraocular pressure cuff, which is an elastic band that wraps around the eyelid is also available for use as a temporary flap to protect it. Inlays can be used to treat both lateral and posterior cataracts. If surgery is required, it is necessary to make sure that the surgery will not have any detrimental effects on the retina.
Laser surgery is also used to treat cataracts. This procedure uses a device that heats the eye, which melts the cataract, allowing it to eventually slough off, leaving a smooth surface to be removed. The cataract will disappear completely with laser surgery, leaving no visible scarring. A second surgery, called intraocular photocoagulation, is required to stimulate the blood vessels in and around the cataract to encourage production of new blood vessels.
There are several non-surgical cataract treatments as well. These treatments include ocular drops and ointments that help decrease inflammation and block formation of bacteria that can cause irritation to the eyes. Other methods such as antibiotics and ultraviolet light therapy can also be used.
Non-surgical cataract treatments can provide some temporary relief
Oral antibiotics, topical drops and eye drops can reduce the appearance of a cataract over time. Aspirin, tretinoin, retinoids and topical solutions can help reduce the symptoms of cataract.
It is important to remember that while cataract surgery can be helpful in many cases, it should never be considered a cure-all. Treating the cataract in one way does not guarantee that it will not come back.
Diet plays an important role in helping prevent cataract. Regular diet can help to prevent the onset of cataracts, but it may be difficult to maintain in those that already have the problem.
Avoid foods that can contribute to the development of the disease. Such foods include caffeine, red meat, and eggs, which are known to contribute to the development of cataracts. Eating lots of vegetables and fruits, and Visiol is important for healthy vision.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology also recommends that cataract patients visit their eye care provider at least twice a year to monitor for possible vision loss. The eye doctor will also recommend glasses, contact lenses or surgery to correct vision problems related to cataracts.
The health care provider should discuss with you the most effective way to remove the cataract if it should become a problem. He will also help you understand what to expect in terms of your current health, how to manage it and how to prevent it from happening again in the future.