What causes a cataract?
A cataract is a common eye condition most often associated with ageing; but it can uncommonly occur in infants and children.
Factors that increase the chance of developing a cataract include:
- Age (60+)
- Hereditary and genetic factors
- Eye trauma
- Previous eye surgery
- Previous eye inflammation and infection
- Diabetes
- Prolonged use of some medications such as steroids
- Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight and other sources
- Smoking
What are the symptoms of a cataract?
Cataracts are not painful and in the early stages may not cause noticeable changes in your sight. Loss of vision is usually gradual. But as the condition advances, symptoms can include:
- Blurred, cloudy or dim vision
- Colours appearing to be faded or yellowed
- Difficulty with night vision or in situations of low light
- Sensitivity to glare and bright light
- Double vision in the affected eye
- Appearance of a “halo” around lights
- Frequent changes in glasses prescriptions as the focusing power of the eye is altered.
How is a cataract diagnosed?
A comprehensive eye examination by your ophthalmologist will determine if a cataract is present.
A comprehensive eye examination will also determine if there are other causes of vision loss, particularly problems involving the retina or optic nerve.
How is a cataract treated?
Surgery is the only effective way to remove a cataract. There are currently no other known non-surgical treatments, medications or dietary supplements that will prevent or cure a cataract.
Cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures in the world. Most people who have cataract surgery experience a positive improvement in vision without experiencing any complications.
When considering surgery, you should ensure you understand the benefits and risk involved. These will be fully discussed with you by your Lions Eye Institute ophthalmologist.
When should I have cataract surgery?
In the early stages of cataract development, your symptoms may be improved simply with different prescription glasses or brighter lighting.
In most cases, the time to consider surgery is when a cataract causes enough vision loss to affect your quality of life or interferes with your daily activities, such as work, driving, reading, or watching TV.
The decision of timing is one we recommend you make with your ophthalmologist.
What does cataract surgery involve?
Surgery is usually performed as a day procedure under a local anaesthetic.
The most common surgical technique involves three steps:
- A small incision is made into the edge of the cornea
- Tiny instruments are used to break apart and remove cataract
- An intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted. The incision heals naturally without the need for sutures.
An intraocular lens (or IOL) is an artificial lens that replaces the eye’s natural lens which is removed during cataract surgery. Measurements (biometry) of your eye are taken pre-operatively during your clinic visit, so that your ophthalmologist can choose the appropriate IOL for your eye.
There are different types of IOLs available including monofocal, extended depth of focus, and multifocal lenses. The type of IOL that will work best for you depends on your eye condition(s) and lifestyle needs, and you will discuss this with your ophthalmologist at the pre-operative clinic visit.
What happens after surgery?
You will be able to see out of the operated eye the day after surgery, but the vision may be a bit blurry and glary. Your vision will improve on a daily basis for several days and your focus will stabilise over several weeks.
Some activities such as driving, swimming or exercise may be restricted for a short period post-surgery. The time taken to resume normal activities is variable and your ophthalmologist will advise you based on your individual circumstances.
You will be given instructions on how to take care of your eyes following your cataract surgery. Follow these detailed instructions for the best possible recovery.
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