Dr. Nguyen Duc Huy of the High-Tech Eye Center at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, said Mr. Thai's right eye had 20/20 vision, but his left eye could only count fingers at a distance of 3 meters. The trauma from the forceful impact of the beer bottle cap did not manifest immediately but resulted in a gradual clouding of the lens as proteins clumped together. After about three months, his left eye became blurry, and his vision significantly deteriorated.

Unlike age-related cataracts, which typically progress slowly, trauma-induced cataracts develop more rapidly. Mr. Thai's cataract was classified as stage 3, leading to the decision to replace the affected lens with an artificial one.

Associate Professor Nguyen Xuan Hiep, director of the High-Tech Eye Center, used a machine to create small 2.2 mm incisions and employed ultrasound waves to break down the cataract before removing it and inserting the artificial lens. After the surgery, Mr. Thai's vision was restored.

Associate Professor Hiep performs cataract surgery on Mr. Thai. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Associate Professor Hiep performs cataract surgery on Mr. Thai. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Many believe cataracts are solely age-related. However, Dr. Huy explained that direct impacts to the eyeball, ranging from sports injuries and household accidents to seemingly minor bumps, can cause cataracts. Older adults are at higher risk due to decreased lens elasticity. Following any eye trauma, it's essential to seek specialized medical attention for prompt detection and intervention.

Nhat Thanh

*The patient's name has been changed.