Cataracts-what are they?

What are cataracts?

A cataract is a clouding in the lens of the eye. This cloudiness develops inside the lens and restricts the passage of light to the retina.

What causes cataracts?

The most common cause of cataract is aging but other causes include;

-inherited or developmental problems

-health issues such as diabetes

-medications such as steroids

-eye trauma

What are the symptoms?

-blurry vision

-light sensitivity from car headlights or bright sunlight or halos around lights

-double or multiple vision

-colour vision changes

Treatment

Only cataracts causing troublesome symptoms need treatment. You would be referred to an eye specialist for assessment. Modern cataract surgery is generally effective in restoring vision to most patients. It involves removing the cloudy lens from inside the eye through a small incision, and replacing it with a new artificial lens, called the Intraocular Lens, or implant. But there are many diseases which can affect and limit the eyes visual improvement following cataract surgery. It is also important to understand that complications can occur during or after cataract surgery.

Will I need glasses after surgery?

Most patients will need glasses for fine visual tasks which could still include driving and for other activities such as computer viewing.

Please contact us for advice if you have any concerns that you may be developing cataracts.