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WayfarerCataract
Cataracts are formed when the clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy or misty. This is a gradual process that usually happens as we get older. It does not hurt. The early stages of a cataract do not necessarily affect your sight. The only proven treatment for a cataract is surgery. If the cataract gets to the stage where it affects your sight, your optometrist will refer you to a hospital to have this done. The surgery is carried out under a local anaesthetic and has a very high success rate.
What causes cataracts?
The main cause is ageing and most people will eventually develop a cataract in both eyes, although one eye may be affected before the other. Both men and women can develop cataracts. Younger people can develop cataracts if they have an injury to the eye. Some medical conditions such as diabetes, or taking some sort of medication such as steroids, may also cause cataracts. A very small number of babies are born with a cataract.
Will cataracts affect my vision?
If you have cataracts you may notice that your vision is less clear and distinct. Car headlights and streetlights can become dazzling, and you may experience difficulty moving from shade to sunlit areas. Colours may look different too, and become faded or yellowed. If you experience any of these symptoms, make an appointment to see your optometrist. If you are long-sighted, you may even notice that you need your glasses less than you did before you had the cataract! It may be that the cataract is causing a change to your long or short sight, and your sight can be improved simply by changing your glasses. We have more information, and a video of how cataracts may affect your vision, Useful Link lookafteryoureyes.org/amd. Can I prevent cataracts? There are various supplements on sale which claim to help slow the progression of cataracts and some eye drops are sold as a treatment for cataracts. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that any of these can prevent or treat cataracts. Smoking and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light increase your risk of developing cataracts.
