Describe_Cataracts_and_the_Technology_That_Can_Be_Used_to_Prevent_Blindness_from_Them_and_Assess_the_Implications_of_This_Technology_for_Society.

Describe Cataracts and the technology that can be used to prevent blindness from them and assess the implications of this technology for society. A cataract is the clouding of the eyes natural lens, which stops light from reaching the retina. Chemical proteins clumping together cause this clouding and overtime the lens will become opaque. People who suffer from cataracts will find their clarity of vision impaired and images will begin to appear blurry. They will find that they will become susceptible to sunlight and have poor night vision. Cataracts contribute to approximately half of the world's total blindness and technology is beginning to accompany for this growing concern. Technology can provide both temporary relief and a permanent resolution in regards to cataracts. In the beginning stages of cataracts, the associated symptoms may be improved with new spectacles, anti-glare sunglasses or magnifying lenses. However, as the cataracts develop overtime, surgery becomes the most viable option in saving vision. The cataract surgery consists of the replacement of the cloudy lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Cataract surgery is usually only necessary when the patient's vision loss interferes with everyday activities, such as driving, reading or watching TV. However, in some cases a cataract should be removed even if it does not cause an obstruction with the patient's vision. There are two main methods of removing a cataract and replacing it with an artificial lens; these are phacoemulsification and extracapsular extraction. Phacoemulsification is the most common used technique, as the surgery only lasts up to one hour and the incision is usually small enough so that stitches are not required. This form of surgery removes the cataract but leaves most of the lens capsule in place. A small incision, around 2-3mm in length, is made where the cornea and conjunctiva meet and a thin probe is inserted. This probe transmits ultrasound waves to break up the cataract and suction out the fragments. The lens capsule remains in place to provide support for lens implants (IOL). If the lens is too tough to remove by phacoemulsification, the technique of extracapsular extraction is used. A 10 - 12mm incision is made where the cornea meets the sclera, the front capsule is then opened and the lens removed. An Intraocular lens is then fixed into position, leaving a large incision, which must then be closed with several stitches. The removal of cataracts is the most commonly performed eye.