can I do to protect my vision or prevent cataract?
is a cataract?
lens focuses light onto the retina and adjusts to allow
us to focus clearly on near or distant objects. As we age
the clear crystalline lens can start to cloud, and this
progresses over time. Gradually the vision resembles a similar
effect to that of looking through frosted glass. At this
stage a new glasses prescription will not be able to correct
cataract is a clouding or frosting of the lens of the
eye. Most commonly this cloudiness is age related however
occasionally it can be due to trauma to the eye, it may
be secondary to diabetes or other medical conditions,
and can be congenital.
is the lens?
lens is the part of the eye that helps focus light on
the retina (just like the lens in a camera). The retina
is the eye's light-sensitive layer that transmits visual
signals to the brain (like the photographic film in a
camera). In a normal eye, light passes through the lens
and gets focused on the retina. To help produce a sharp
image, the lens must remain clear.
are the symptoms of a cataract?
cataract begins quite small and may have little effect
on vision at first. You may notice that your vision is
slightly blurred. A cataract can also cause glare in bright
sunlight or glare around lights. This might be noticed
at night when looking at oncoming car headlights. Some
people report that colours may not appear as bright as
they once did. As the cataract gets bigger and clouds
more of the lens, you will find it harder to read and
do other day-to-day tasks. Less commonly cataracts can
cause double vision in the affected eye.
what age do they most commonly develop?
people develop cataracts between the ages of 40 & 60
years, but these rarely have a significant effect on
vision. In patients over 60 years cataracts typically
become more dense and start to impact vision.
is a cataract diagnosed?
cataract is most often detected by your optometrist
as part of your annual or biannual eye examination.
However if you suspect a cataract, a visit to your
optometrist will be able to confirm this. Should he
or she find a cataract they will be able to monitor
it and advise you about any future treatment. Not
all cataracts need immediate treatment and same may
not require surgery for years.
does a cataract require treatment?
modern surgical techniques it is possible to operate
on a cataract at a relatively early stage, they do not
need to be mature. There is no level of vision at which
cataract surgery is indicated, but it is usually recommended
if the quality of your vision is reduced such that is
affecting your lifestyle. Surgery is also indicated if
you wish to drive and your vision no longer meets the
is a cataract treated?
Once a cataract has developed such that it is affecting
your daily life, it is treated with surgery. An experienced
eye surgeon will remove your clouded lens and, in most
cases, replace it with a clear, plastic lens. Cataract
surgery is extremely successful in restoring vision and
is one of the most common surgical procedures performed
each year in the UK. It is also one of the quickest operations.At
Grange Eye Consultants we use micro-incision phaco technology
to remove the cataract.
can I do to protect my vision or prevent cataracts?
Although research has not yet proved
how to prevent cataracts, people over the age of 60 are
at risk of many vision problems. If you are 60 years
or older, you should have an eye examination through
dilated pupils at least every 2 years. This kind of exam
allows your optometrist or surgeon to check for signs
of age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts,
and other vision disorders.