Post cataract surgery – How to preserve the restored vision

Vision restoration and sharp, clear visibility are the two most promising results post cataract surgery. But, is there something you should do to preserve the changes! This is one question people ask frequently after having their successful eye surgery.

Whereas surgeons would tell you to improve the diet, workout, avoid tobacco and exercise control on the cholesterol levels, wear UV-protective glasses; all these factors contribute to eye and overall health. Still, ageing eyes would definitely change so what should you do to preserve a healthy vision?

Older eyes – The greatest risk

The primary cause of blindness among the elderly, even in developed countries is Age Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD). In fact, advanced-grade ARMD in the U.S. contributes to around 50% legal blindness and occurrence would mount as longevity increases. There’re multiple factors leading to the development of ARMD but, when central retina to the eye (known as the macula) faces cumulative oxidative stress, it raises the bar for the disease.

Early prevention

Macular health and prevention against macular degeneration must be the focus to preserve quality of vision achieved post cataract surgery. Macular centre, known as the fovea complements to the central five visual degrees and key to facial recognition, reading as well as other vision tasks. In fact, location of the fovea is approximately 99% of the three types of eye cones due to which you’re able to see things in colour.

Advanced studies of Ophthalmology in Dubai revealed that lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin are the three macular pigments present in the fovea. These serve two basic functions that are;

• Natural occurring antioxidants and
• Filter shorter wavelength of blue light

Improves short-term visual function & preserve longevity of eye health

Retina cells are protected from oxidative stress under denser macular pigment layer thereby aids in preserving vision. Additionally, shorter wavelength blue light scatters which eventually increases glare and reduces contrast sensitivity of the eye. This dense macular pigment layer blocks harmful blue light, enhances overall vision quality and contrast sensitivity thereby helps in various tasks which required extreme visual focus such as driving in dim light or during fog!

Macular pigments per the retinal need

Macular health supplements have three elements that can significantly reduce the risk of AMD with improvement in visual performance as well. In a few cases, AMD develops extremely slow and remains unnoticed till people have difficulty in seeing. For others, macular degeneration progresses much faster, leading to vision loss either in one or both the eyes.

Zeaxanthin and Lutein are naturally present in foods such as corn, carrots, dark green leafy vegetable and carrots hence good for eye health. The third macular pigment which is meso-zeaxanthin isn’t commonly found in foods and believed to be converted enzymatically from lutein within the body. In fact, there’s more than 20% population lacking these enzymes and deficient in meso-zeaxanthin.

Meso-zeaxanthin is important because of its concentration at the centre of the fovea; the most essential part of the vision. All three carotenoids are thus needed to maintain healthy macular pigment layer whereas reduces the risk of macular damage.

Conclusion

Protect the eyes and vision in the long-run post cataract surgery by following the above details.

This content is proudly offered by Moorfields Eye doctor in Dubai.