Cataracts

The vast majority of cataracts that we see are Age Related.  Over time the lens in your eye changes because of UV light from the sun. Much like UV light can effect your skin,  it can make your lens go cloudy, a bit like fogging up a window.  This makes it difficult to see out.

What symptoms will I get?

For many years you may not notice any difference to your vision.  Your optometrist will detect cataracts up by watching the changing appearance of the lens in your eye, they may also detect a changing glasses prescription.

• Bright lights and headlights may produce glare and be quite dazzling.
• Eventually you will notice cloudy or blurry vision- things you once saw clearly may feel out of focus. 

Who may be more prone to cataracts?

• Diabetics
• Anyone with skin conditions such as Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema
• People who have suffered from ocular inflammation (Uveitis) and been treated with steroid eye drops
• Very short sighted prescriptions (-10.00D or more)

What can be done about them?

Cataracts will only be treated when they affect your vision and you get symptoms of reduced blurry vision.  For a lot of people this is a long time after they were first diagnosed with cataracts.

Cataract removal is a very common usually straight forward procedure.  It does not require an over night stay at hospital, you can be in and out in the same afternoon!

The surgeon will remove your own cloudy lens and replace it with a clear man- made lens.  This has the same effect as cleaning a dirty window, more light will get through to allow a clearer brighter image for you.

*Remember not all blurry vision is caused by cataracts so we always recommend having an eye test if you are experiencing symptoms of blurry vision.