Cataracts
Cataracts are one of the most common causes of vision loss, especially as we get older. They occur when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, making vision appear blurred or hazy. If you think you might have cataracts, here are answers to the questions patients most often ask.
What is a cataract?
A cataract is the lens of the eye that has become opaque reducing or blurring the vision. Car headlights or bright sunshine can cause problems because the cataract scatters light and causes glare. Cataract usually affects individuals of 60 years or more, and most people over the age of 70 have some signs of cataract. Eventually the cataract if left untreated will remove almost all of the vision, but usually the patient will opt for surgery before this to restore vision.
What causes cataracts?
The lens of the eye is mostly made of water and proteins. As we age, these proteins can break down and clump together, making the lens cloudy. While ageing is the most common cause, cataracts can also develop due to:
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Prolonged sun exposure without eye protection
- Eye injuries
- Long-term use of steroid medication
- Family history of cataracts
What are the symptoms of cataracts?
Cataracts usually develop slowly, and you may not notice changes at first. Common symptoms include:
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Glare or halos around lights, particularly when driving at night
- Colours looking faded or yellowed
- Needing brighter light to read
- Double vision in one eye
- Frequent changes in your glasses prescription
How are cataracts removed?
Cataracts cannot be treated with drops, glasses, or medication. The only way to remove them is through cataract surgery. During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is carefully removed through a tiny incision and replaced with a clear intraocular lens implant. The whole procedure usually takes less than half an hour, is carried out under local anaesthetic, and patients are normally able to return home the same day. Most notice their vision beginning to improve within several days as the eye heals.
How to prevent cataracts
While cataracts cannot always be prevented, you can reduce your risk by:
- Wearing sunglasses with UV protection
- Eating a diet rich in antioxidants (fruits, vegetables, leafy greens)
- Not smoking
- Managing diabetes and other health conditions
- Having regular eye examinations
Is there a self-test for cataracts?
There is no home test that can confirm cataracts. However, you may suspect them if you notice:
- Cloudy or blurred vision that glasses do not fix
- Difficulty with night vision or glare
- Needing more light for close work or reading
If you notice these symptoms, a specialist eye examination is the only way to diagnose cataracts.
How to prevent cataracts from getting worse
You cannot stop a cataract once it has formed, but you may be able to slow its progression by:
- Wearing sunglasses with UV protection
- Avoiding smoking
- Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle
- Attending regular eye check-ups
These measures help ensure that surgery is performed at the right time for the best results.
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