What is Cataracts?

Cataracts is a condition that affects the crystalline lens which sits just behind your pupil. The Crystalline Lens becomes cloudy reducing the clarity of your vision. It can form at any age, but typically occurs in people over the age of 65.

The condition does not happen suddenly but is rather a gradual process. There is also no clear reason why it happens although risk factors include:

• age
• diabetes
• smoking
• drinking misuse
• UV damage
• Family History of cataracts

Symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• blurry or misty sight
• double vision
• changes to colours i.e faded or washed out appearance.

Treatment

If you have developed cataracts and it has started to affect your vision, your optometrist will make a referral to the hospital as you may need to have an eye operation to remove your crystalline lens and replace it with a clear plastic implant.

Following your surgery your sight should instantly improve once healed. You may find you have a different prescription following on from your surgery so it is necessary to see your optometrists 6 weeks post surgery to ensure healing and to review your prescription.