Cataracts

Q. What are cataracts?
A. Cataracts are a cloudiness than can form in the lens of the eye. The lens normally is clear. Poor vision results because the cloudiness interferes with light entering the eye.

Q. Are cataracts a kind of growth?
A. No, cataracts are not a growth. Cataracts are due to a change in the lens material.

Q. What causes cataracts?
A. Most cataracts are a result of ageing. They are occasionally caused by injury and certain diseases, and in rare cases by exposure to toxic materials and radiation. Occasionally cataracts are present at birth, due to the baby's mother having had rubella during the pregnancy, or genetic defects.

Q. Do cataracts get worse?
A. Yes. The clouded areas become larger and denser and cause the patient's sight to become worse. The time taken for this to happen varies from a few months to many years.

Q. Do cataracts affect both eyes?
A. Usually cataracts affect both eyes but often develop at different rates in each eye .

Q. How common are cataracts?
A. People over the age of 65 years frequently have signs of cataracts and should have their eyes examined regularly.

Q. Can cataracts cause blindness?
A. If untreated cataracts can cause blindness. However, blindness can be prevented by detecting the cataracts early and, if necessary, by having them removed surgically.

Q. How well will I be able to see if my lens is removed?
A. In most cases very well, usually even better than before removal of the cataract. Most patients have an intra-ocular lens (I0L) inserted at the time of surgery, with excellent results. This is a plastic lens that replaces your own cloudy lens. Patients may also need to wear spectacles or contact lenses.

Q. What are the signs of cataracts?
A. Usually the development of cataracts is gradual with a slow and painless worsening of sight. Other symptoms include blurred or hazy vision, spots before the eyes, double vision, and a marked increase in sensitivity to glare.

Q. How can I be sure I don't have cataracts?
A. An examination by your optometrist will reveal any changes that have occurred in the lens of the eye. Optometrists have special equipment which enables them to see changes in the lens which may lead to cataracts several years before any symptoms appear.

Q. Can cataracts be prevented?
A. There is no proven method of preventing cataracts, However, long-term exposure to ultra-violet light is thought to induce cataracts, so it is recommended that a brimmed hat and approved sunglasses are worn in sunlight.

Q. When is the best time to have a cataract operation?
A. This varies with each patient. Usually cataract surgery is performed when the patient sees so badly that it interferes with daily life. Your optometrist will assist you in making this decision.

Q. How major an operation is removal of a cataract?
A. Cataract surgery is now considered to be a relatively minor procedure. Often it is performed under a local anaesthetic. Depending on the patient, the surgery may be performed on an out-patient basis. This means that the patient attends a hospital or clinic for the surgery and after resting a few hours, is able to go home the same day.

Q. Does an optometrist perform the surgery?
A. No. The surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist, a specialist in eye surgery.