Cataracts are one of the most common eye conditions today and remain the leading cause of preventable and treatable blindness. The disease often progresses slowly and silently, especially in older adults, causing many people to delay medical consultation until their vision has significantly deteriorated. 

What Are Cataracts? 

The lens is a transparent structure inside the eye that allows light to pass through and focus on the retina. Cataracts occur when the lens becomes cloudy due to aging or other factors, preventing light from passing through properly. This leads to gradually worsening vision and, if left untreated, may eventually result in blindness. 

Causes of Cataracts 

Cataracts can develop due to several factors, including: 

  • Aging – the most common cause, typically affecting people over 65 
  • Eye conditions – severe myopia, infections, trauma, or degeneration 
  • Systemic diseases – such as diabetes and hypertension 
  • Congenital cataracts – present at birth 

Why Are Cataracts the Leading Cause of Blindness? 

According to statistics, the prevalence of blindness in Vietnam is approximately 0.59%, and around 70% of these cases are caused by cataracts. Although cataracts are the most common cause of blindness, they are also highly treatable through surgery when detected early. 

Do Patients Usually Seek Care Early or Late? 

In reality, many patients seek medical care only when cataracts have progressed to a stage requiring surgery. Common reasons for delayed consultation include: 

  • Assuming blurred vision is simply due to aging 
  • Believing vision loss cannot be treated 
  • Fear of medical examination or surgery 

Delay treatment may cause the lens to become too hard, making modern surgical techniques more difficult and increasing the risk of complications while reducing the likelihood of optimal visual recovery. 

Can Cataracts Be Treated with Medication? 

Currently, no medical treatment can cure or effectively slow the progression of cataracts. Eye drops may provide temporary relief in early stages, but surgery remains the only definitive treatment. 

Current Treatment Options for Cataracts 

Phacoemulsification (Phaco Surgery) 

This is the most modern and commonly used technique today. The cloudy lens is broken into small pieces using ultrasound and removed through a very small incision (less than 3 mm). An artificial intraocular lens is then implanted. 

Advantages include: 

  • Short surgical time 
  • Minimal discomfort 
  • Small incision and faster healing 
  • Rapid visual recovery 

Extracapsular Cataract Extraction (Manual Surgery) 

This method is used when patients present late and the cataract has become too hard for Phaco surgery. It requires a larger incision and typically involves a longer recovery period. 

Why Do Some Patients Not Fully Recover Vision After Surgery? 

Visual outcomes after cataract surgery depend on several factors, such as: 

  • Coexisting eye diseases (glaucoma, retinal disorders, optic nerve damage) 
  • Inflammation or surgical complications 
  • The timing of diagnosis and treatment 

However, with thorough preoperative evaluation and safe Phaco surgery, most patients achieve good visual recovery. 

Can Cataracts Recur After Surgery? 

Cataracts do not recur after surgery. However, some patients may develop posterior capsule opacification, which can cause blurred vision again. This condition can be easily treated with laser therapy, with about 20% of patients requiring treatment within two years. 

Can Children Develop Cataracts? 

Yes, congenital cataracts can occur in newborns or young children. Early signs may include: 

  • Poor vision or squinting 
  • Vision not improving with glasses 
  • A white reflex in the pupil when light is shone 
  • Lack of visual tracking by 2–3 months of age 

If these signs are noticed, children should be examined by an eye specialist as soon as possible. 

Trẻ sơ sinh hoặc trẻ nhỏ vẫn có thể mắc đục thủy tinh thể bẩm sinh. Gia đình có  

Eye Care After Cataract Surgery 

After surgery, patients should: 

  • Protect the eye from dust and wind 
  • Avoid rubbing the eye 
  • Limit reading, television, and computer use during the first week 
  • Maintain a light, healthy diet and avoid stimulants 
  • Attend follow-up appointments as scheduled and seek care if abnormal symptoms occur 

In most cases, vision can fully stabilize within about 8 weeks. 

Regular Eye Examinations Help Prevent Blindness 

Although cataracts progress silently, they can be effectively treated when detected early. Regular eye examinations, especially for older adults, are essential to protect vision and maintain quality of life. 

At Hoan My Cuu Long Hospital, patients can receive comprehensive cataract screening and treatment with experienced specialists and modern surgical techniques to restore vision safely and effectively.