What cataracts are, what to look for and how clear vision can be restored.
Essential Information on Cataracts
Often develops slowly, sometimes over many years.
No pain and no redness, so exams matter.
Surgery is relatively uncomplicated with a high success rate.
What Are Cataracts?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens, which is normally clear. The cloudiness may affect a small patch of the lens or the whole of it, and it can seriously reduce vision.
Who Is Affected?
Cataracts are most frequent in people over 60, but they can also show up in younger people and even in newborns.
What Causes Cataracts?
They result from chemical changes inside the eye, which may be linked to ageing, genetics, eye injuries or disease. Strong ultraviolet exposure, smoking and some medications raise the risk. Cataracts usually form in both eyes, often at different speeds.
Can Cataracts Be Prevented?
There is no proven way to prevent them. Wearing sunglasses that block UV rays and eating foods rich in antioxidants (vitamins A, C and E, plus zinc, selenium and magnesium) may help lower the risk.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms?
Cataracts do not cause pain or redness. Instead you may notice:
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Spots in your field of view
- A feeling of looking through fog or a film
- Greater sensitivity to glare, especially at night
How Are Cataracts Diagnosed?
An optometrist can detect a cataract and judge how advanced it is during a complete eye exam.
How Are Cataracts Treated?
In the early stages, new lenses may be prescribed to sharpen vision. Once a cataract gets in the way of daily activities and glasses no longer help, the optometrist refers you to an ophthalmologist, who may recommend surgery. The operation is relatively uncomplicated and has a success rate of at least 95%.
When Should Cataracts Be Removed?
A cataract can develop over many years or within just a few months. Some stay stable and need no treatment. Surgery may become necessary when glasses can no longer give you functional vision.
What Happens After Cataract Surgery?
The cloudy lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens, which often restores clear distance vision. Near vision may still need correction. About four weeks after surgery, your optometrist prescribes new glasses to get the best distance and near vision.