Cataracts

Background Information

A cataract is not a growth. It is clouding of the crystalline lens, which may develop at any age and in several different ways. As it develops light cannot pass through the lens properly and vision becomes blurred.

Cataracts are most common in older age.  They may also follow injury or inflammation, or may be developmental, occurring at or shortly after birth.

Early cataracts may not affect vision and do not require treatment until the patient becomes aware of failing sight or serious visual problems with glare in bright light.

Types of eye cataracts

• Age Related Cataracts - occurs when protein clusters up in the lens and causes cloudiness or from the discoloration of the lens due to aging
• Secondary cataract - forms after surgery from other eye disease like glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy
• Traumatic cataract - forms after eye injury
• Congenital cataract - present at birth due to birth defects, diseases, or other problems
• Radiation cataract - forms after major exposure to radiation

Symptoms and detection of cataracts

Warning signs of cataracts may include blurry vision or glare from car headlights especially at night. Sunlight or indoor overhead lighting may seem too bright or cause glare. You may notice that bright colours may appear dulled. Sometime cataracts can cause double vision, and you may actually find that you are frequently changing contact or eyeglasses prescriptions. These symptoms might also be signs of other eye related problems so it is best to get checked by your eye doctor if you are having any of these problems.

The eye doctor will place drops in your eyes to dilate your pupils and perform a thorough eye exam and study the crystalline lens of your eye as well as to check the optic nerves and retina for changes that might be contributing to your vision.

The eye doctor will also perform a test called tonometry in order to measure the pressure inside your eye as one of the diagnostic tools for glaucoma.

Treatment of cataracts

There are various methods available for the removal of cataracts and the surgeon will advise on which is to be used. They all involve removal of the cloudy lens contents from within its capsule or bag and its replacement with a plastic lens implant.

The operation is performed under local or general anaesthetic, and takes 30-40 minutes. The procedure is highly sophisticated and very successful. Most patients regain full vision within hours of the procedure, but vision may not be fully restored if the patient has another eye condition, such as macular degeneration.

Cataract surgery usually requires the replacement of the natural lens with an intraocular lens (IOL). The IOL replaces the natural lens that has been removed because it was cloudy and thus gives you better vision. Most of the time you will be able to resume your normal work and recreational activities within just a few days.

Prevention of cataracts

Lowering the risk of cataracts or at least slowing down the formation of cataracts is something you can do as first step to your overall health. It is a good idea to get annual eye exams. Since people with diabetes are more likely to also form cataracts, they should get checkups more frequently. Wearing sunglasses or eyeglasses that block ultraviolet light is a good idea.

Some research, although not conclusive, has suggested that smoking and use of some drugs like steroids increases formation of cataracts. Stopping smoking or at least decreasing the amount you smoke could help slow down the formation of cataracts.

Eating healthy foods can also slow cataract formation. Eating green leafy vegetables and fruits high in Vitamins A, C, and E can slow the growth of cataracts.

*Materials on this page have been researched from the National Eye Institute.

Disclaimer of Medical Liability

Whilst we have taken great care to gather correct information and to keep it current, we cannot guarantee its accuracy and completeness.

The information provided should never be considered a substitute for professional health care by a qualified doctor or other health care professional, which will be tailored to the patient's individual circumstances. Henshaws cannot take responsibility if you rely on this information alone.