Cataracts PDF Print E-mail
Thursday, 24 May 2007

What is a Cataract?

cataractsIt is the term given to the misting or hazing of the lens in your eye.  It is normal for the lens of the eye to change as we get older. This is due to loss of transparency of the lens and not as used to be believed to a skin growing over the eye.

The majority of cataracts are caused by ageing of the eye. It is said that some degree of cataract will happen to all of us if we live long enough.

Cataracts do not cause complete blindness. Most people can manage to get about, though recognising faces and reading will be affected.

Symptoms

Gradual clouding and dimming of vision are frequent features of cataracts, which occur mainly in old age.
  • Vision becomes blurred or misty
  • Colour vision may become washed out or faded
  • Car headlamps and bright lights become dazzling or look as if they are surrounded by haloes
  • Vision may be worse in bright sunlight

Risk Factors

  • Diabetes is linked to an increased risk
  • Certain drugs, including steroids may make you more likely to develop cataracts early
  • Excessive exposure to sun and to radiation
  • Smoking and alcohol have both been implicated

Treatment

In early stages a change in spectacles can improve the situation.  The most effective treatment for cataracts is an operation to remove the cloudy lens and replace with a new plastic lens. Diets and drugs have not been shown to slow or stop the development of cataracts.

Surgery should improve the overall vision significantly. The use of the word "ripe" for the proper time to operate is no longer appropriate as the greater ease of doing the surgery allows it to be done once the need is there.

The lens is removed under local anaesthetic using phaco-emulsification. This involves the use of ultrasound, not laser, to break up the lens. The lens is usually replaced by a plastic lens implant, which stays in the eye permanently.  Sometimes contact lenses are fitted or glasses used instead of an implant.

Once the lens has been replaced there can be no reoccurrence but occasionally treatment with a laser is needed to break down a film, which can develop some time after otherwise successful cataract surgery.

Should you develop any eye symptoms or your eye condition changes, you must seek professional  help as soon as possible. If you have a regular check up, it is important to keep the appointments and your optician will tell you if you are developing any particular problems.
Last Updated ( Thursday, 24 May 2007 )