Cataracts
What is a cataract?
The human eye is shaped like a globe and works rather like a camera. Suspended in the centre of the eye is the lens which can change thickness to keep an image focused on the inner lining or 'film' at the back of the eye. Sometimes glasses are required to help the eye do this.
In healthy eyes, the lens is transparent. If the lens becomes cloudy it is called a cataract. This process is usually gradual but once cloudy it does not become clear again.
What causes a cataract?
The normal ageing pricess is the commonest cause of cataracts but sudden injury or health problems such as diabetes can accelerate the clouding process. Even some babies can be born with cloudy cataractous lenses. The age at which cataracts start and the rate at which they develop differs in each person.
A cataract is not caused by overuse of the eyes or by bad lighting.
What can be done?
In the early stages of cataract development, the point of focus merely shifts so glasses or a new prescription may be sufficient to restore vision. Reading may be helped by improved lighting or a magnifying glass and a larger print size.
If the lens becomes so couldy that glasses cannot help vision, an operation is required to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular implant. There is no need to wait for a cataract to become advanced before surgery. With modern surgical techniques, the operation can be carried out at any stage and whenever it is needed by the patient. There is no need to fear blindness or loss of independence because of a cataract.
What does surgery involve?
At an initial outpatient consultation your Ophthalmic Surgeon will explain the steps of the surgery and any risks. The length and curve of your eye is measured to determine the implants required.
Surgery can then be carried out, usually as a day case procedure under local or general anaesthetic. During surgery the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens. There may be an instant marked improvement in vision, however, sometimes it can take up to 6-8 weeks for the implanted lens to settle in and vision may remain out of focus during this time.
After surgery, you will return for a follow-up appointment to check your new lens. Your vision can then be retested.
Appointments and enquiries
This treatment is performed by a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, please see Ophthalmology for more information including clinic times and appointments.
