Uncontrolled use of cortisone-containing drops is one of the reasons that pave the way for the formation of cataracts, which are thought to occur especially with age.

Ophthalmologist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Esra Ayhan Tuzcu said that especially people with rheumatic diseases or those who use systemic cortisone due to allergies should pay attention to cataracts. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Esra Ayhan Tuzcu warned against the risk that cataracts may develop at an early age in these patients. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Esra Ayhan Tuzcu stated, “The normally transparent natural eye lens loses its transparency and takes on an opaque-whitish appearance is called cataract. When the lens becomes cloudy and opaque, the image reaching the retina becomes blurred and vision is affected. Cataracts are one of the most important causes of treatable vision loss. Cataract-related symptoms develop slowly and they are painless. It is often first diagnosed during a routine eye examination. The most common symptoms of cataracts are painless blurred vision, discomfort from light and pale or yellow colors. In most age-related cataracts, the disease can take years to progress. It is not possible to predict how rapidly cataracts will progress in individuals.”
90 Percent of Patients are Over 60 Years of Age
Pointing out that the disease can progress rapidly in young and diabetic patients, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Esra Ayhan Tuzcu said that the disease progresses slowly under normal conditions. She stated that cataract patients who experience problems such as decreased sharp vision, seeing colors more dull, see the world pale and blurred. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tuzcu continued with the following statements: “The progression of cataract in young people and diabetics may take a short time. The progression of cataract in diabetes is related to blood sugar. Cataracts develop faster in patients with irregular blood sugar levels. The most common cause of cataract in young people is trauma to the eye. Cataract usually progresses rapidly after trauma. Cataract is usually a disease of old age. 90 percent of patients are over the age of 60.  However, cataracts can be seen in any age group. For example, a type of cataract called congenital cataract can be seen in newborn babies, but cataracts can also be seen in children, young people and middle-aged people. People under 50 years of age should look for an underlying cause for cataracts. Such cataracts may be hereditary or associated with metabolic disorders such as diabetes, trauma, previous eye surgery or intraocular injection, radiation exposure, prolonged exposure to sunlight without protection or use of cortisone and similar drugs.”
No Treatment with Medication, Solution is Surgical Methods
There is no medicine or diet that cures or prevents cataracts. Vitamin D does not prevent cataracts. Using sunglasses to protect against ultraviolet rays can slow the development of cataracts. The only method of cataract treatment is surgical intervention. In over 95 percent of patients without cornea, retina or optic nerve problems, cataract surgery can improve vision. When cataract symptoms do not bother the patient and vision levels are at reasonable levels, intervention may not be necessary or can be waited for a while. Cataract surgery is a day surgery procedure and patients can often be discharged on the same day and return to their daily activities in a short time. Patients use drops in decreasing doses for 1 month after surgery. For 1 week after the surgery, the eye should not be touched with water, should not be rubbed by pressing on the operated eye and should not be slept on that eye. The patient should not swim in the pool and sea for 1 month after the surgery. When we use a monofocal lens, which we use routinely, the patient needs glasses for near vision after surgery.

June 2023