For Eye Care - assisting those with eye problems

AGE-RELATED CATARACTS

A cataract is a cloudy area in the clear lens of the eye, a tissue located behind the pupil that is responsible for focusing light onto the retina. A cataract usually begins small and has little effect on vision, but as it grows and clouds more of the lens you may find that performing normal tasks, such as reading and driving, become more difficult.

The most common form of cataract is age-related. Even though a cataract can start to form in your 50's, vision problems may not occur until much later.

Cataracts also can be associated with diabetes, other systemic diseases, heredity, smoking, eye injuries, cumulative exposure to ultraviolet rays, and certain medications.

Symptoms of a Cataract May Include:

Increased nearsightedness
Sensitivity to light and glare, especially while driving at night
Distorted images in either eye
Changes in the way you see colours, or colours seem faded
Cloudy, filmy or fuzzy vision
Double vision
Frequent changes in your spectacle prescription
Changes in the color of the pupil

If you believe you may be developing a cataract, please see an ophthalmologist or request more information.

Cataract Surgery

An age-related cataract does not always need to be removed when it first develops. At first, different spectacles, magnifying lenses or stronger lighting may help to improve vision.

However, cataract surgery should be considered when the decreased vision interferes with daily activities, such as reading, driving and watching television. No medications or eye drops are available to make cataracts disappear. Also, a cataract does not have to be "ripe" or completely clouded before it can be removed.

The most common type of cataract surgery performed in Britain is phacoemulsification, usually done as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. During this surgery, the surgeon makes a tiny incision through which he or she removes the cloudy natural lens. The surgeon will replace it with a clear plastic intraocular lens (IOL) implant. Stitches are not required.

Lasers are not currently used to remove or treat cataracts. In some cases, the area behind the IOL can become cloudy several months or years after surgery. Your ophthalmologist will then use a laser to create a clear area and improve vision.

You do not have to live with cataracts and allow them to interfere with your everyday activities. If you believe you may be developing one, please see an ophthalmologist.

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