Cataract is a clouding of the natural lens in the eye, which occurs as a result of our body’s natural aging process. There are several types of cataracts, of which the most visually interesting and rarest is the type of cataract known as the “Christmas Tree”.
“Expertly presented, this type of cataract is associated with accelerated breakdown of denatured protein as a result of elevated levels of calcium in the natural lens, resulting in a process of crystallization. This cataract visually looks like a Christmas tree with small pins (crystals) that are in several colors such as red, green, blue, pink and gold” explains Dr. Aleksandra Gocheva Jercic, ophthalmologist at Sistina Ophthalmology in Bitola.
The cataract is treated exclusively with surgery. Research and evidence show that there is still no natural cure for it.
“A novelty in cataract surgery is the process in which, in addition to removing the cataract, the diopter is also corrected. During the operation, the blurred lens must be removed, due to which the patient’s vision has deteriorated. In its place, an intraocular lens is implanted in a very short, simple and completely painless procedure. These lenses are lifelong, biocompatible and with which the patient gets vision at two or more distances” – Dr. Zlatko Arnaudovski, ophthalmic surgeon at Sistina Ophthalmology in Skopje.
The patient, depending on the type of lens for which they are a candidate, may need to wear close range glasses or not at all.
What is certain is that in the future they will never develop cataracts again. That is what makes the operation itself quite cost-effective. At the same time, for the elderly, this operation is a chance for clear vision again, which restores their self-confidence and freedom to perform daily responsibilities.