What is a Cataract?
Our eyes have a clear film called the lens. The lens helps the eye to focus light. A cataract is when the lens becomes misty, cloudy or completely opaque, which means it can no longer focus light as well as it should. As a result, a persons vision becomes blurred and it can become difficult to complete everyday tasks such as reading and driving.
Here, we explore some of the most commonly asked questions about this common sight loss condition, looking at symptoms and treatment options.
What causes cataracts?
Cataracts form when the proteins in the lens of the eye start to break down and clump together – this is what we call a cataract. When a cataract develops, the lens becomes cloudy and stops the light rays passing through to the retina, causing vision to become blurred. They usually form slowly and do not impact the eyesight at first, but cause a gradual blurring of vision as time goes on.
Cataracts usually affect people over the age of 60 and are more common in women. They are also more likely to develop as a result of UV exposure, family history, eye injuries, and some medications.
People most at risk of developing cataracts are those who:
- have previously had an eye injury or undergone eye surgery
- have another eye condition
- smoke
- have a close relative with the condition, such as a parent or sibling
- regularly expose their eyes to a lot of sunlight without protection
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What are the symptoms of cataracts?
When the cataract is mild, you may not any symptoms at first. However, as the cataract matures or worsens you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
- Halos and glare: street lights, sunlight etc may feel too bright.
- You are not seeing well even with wearing your glasses, and you might think that your prescription needs changed.
- Reduced night vision and difficulty seeing in the dark: people who drive often report that they can no longer drive at night.
- Double vision: this can happen when the cataract gets larger often happens in one eye.
- Eyes may appear cloudy and opaque: this happens as the cataract matures.
- Sensitivity to light: this may cause headaches and often watery eyes.
- Reduced colour vision: colours are not as vivid or sharp. For example, reds may appear washed out or even pink. Some people advise of a yellowish tinge to colours.
- Blurred vision: this often starts with patches of blurred or misty vision and as the cataract develops the patches become larger.
What does cataracts like and feel like?
When someone has cataracts, they often experience:
- Sensitivity to glare
- Double vision
- Gradual loss of vision
Cataracts often cause glare and difficulty with night-time driving, and this is often the first symptom people notice.
How are cataracts diagnosed?
Often cataracts are diagnosed at routine eye appointments, so it's important to get your eyes checked regularly.
What are the treatment options for cataracts?
In most cases, cataracts are successfully treatable by surgery. In this procedure, the damaged lens is removed and an artificial lens is inserted. Talk to your eyecare professional for advice and to understand what options are available to you.