Braun Fränkl Béatrice (Oberwil BL)

What does the word "star" mean?

• The word "starling" comes from the Middle Ages. At that time it meant "rigid" and has nothing to do with the bird species. Rather, the term "starling" for the eye disease derives from the "fixed gaze" that completely blind patients have.

What is cataract?

• A cataract is a clouding of the originally clear lens of the eye. The lens of the eye has the same function as the lens of the camera: to produce a sharp image in the eye. If the lens becomes cloudy, the image seen becomes increasingly less sharp. Patients suffering from cataracts therefore have the feeling of seeing everything through a veil that becomes increasingly dense. Their surroundings appear gray in gray.
• Many patients also notice that they are much more dazzled at night when driving than before, are suddenly more sensitive to light, or are more nearsighted. Anyone who notices such symptoms should have their eyes examined. This is because a clouding of the lens can drastically reduce visual acuity.
• Although cataracts can occur at any age, they are usually a result of the normal aging process of the lens. By the age of 65, almost everyone is diagnosed with lens opacification. However, why the lens becomes cloudy over the course of years or decades is not yet fully understood. Eye drops or tablets do not help with cataracts.
• The only way to treat the eye disease is surgery. During surgery, the cloudy lens is replaced with an artificial lens. Today, this procedure is one of the most common operations and is correspondingly safe.

What is glaucoma?

• Glaucoma is an eye disease in which the optic nerve is increasingly destroyed. Important risk factors are a family history of the disease, increased intraocular pressure, circulatory disorders such as diabetes and high blood pressure, the use of certain medications (e.g. cortisone) and local factors on the eye.
• The destruction of the optic nerve leads to increasing visual field loss, first peripherally ,then also in the center. In certain forms of the disease, patients notice rings or halos around light sources in the dark.
• Glaucoma remains unnoticed for a long time and develops insidiously. By the time one notices the visual disturbances themselves, the disease is already far advanced. The visual disturbance can no longer be reversed.
• Early detection is therefore crucial. The earlier glaucoma is detected, the greater the chance of preserving visual function.
• For treatment, ophthalmologists prescribe eye drops or tablets. If these do not help (anymore), the doctor will suggest laser treatment or surgery. Surgery facilitates the drainage of the aqueous humor and thus lowers the pressure.

Who should be examined?

• Basically, anyone can get glaucoma. However, certain people have a higher risk of developing glaucoma.
• The following factors increase the risk of glaucoma:
  • Older age
  • Glaucoma in the family
  • Chronic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, which are associated with circulatory problems
  • Severe nearsightedness
  • Long-term treatment with cortisone

How important is early detection and treatment?

• Regular examinations by an ophthalmologist are recommended from the age of 40. He can detect the disease at an early stage. The ophthalmologist examines the optic nerve at the back of the eye, measures intraocular pressure and, if suspected, can also check whether the patient already has incipient visual field loss.
• If the doctor detects glaucoma, he will first try to lower the intraocular pressure with medication (usually eye drops). Used regularly, they can prevent further progression of the disease. If the effect of the eye drops is not sufficient to lower the intraocular pressure, surgical therapy must be considered.