SERVICES
CATARACTS
WHAT ARE CATARACTS?
A cataract is a clouding of the crystal clear lens of the eye, the part of the eye that focuses on light and produces a clear image. This occurs mostly as a result of ageing. In the initial stage, this lens opacity creates the scattered reflection of light, leading to glare even in patients who otherwise have good visual acuity.
Symptoms
Slow and painless loss of vision- Blurred vision, as if looking through fog or a dirty window
- Double vision
- Seeing halos
- Many patients become increasingly sensitive to light, and driving at night becomes difficult.
- Colours can look faded.
Treatment
If your cataract symptoms are not significantly affecting you, you do not have to remove the cataract. New prescription lenses/glasses could be enough to improve your vision. You should, however, consider surgery when cataracts keep you from doing things you want or need to do. Cataract surgery involves removing the opaque/cloudy lens and implanting a transparent artificial IOL (intra-ocular lens) into the now empty lens capsule.
Recommended lifestyle changes
- Have an eye exam annually if you're older than 65 or every two years if you are younger.
- Safeguard your eyes from UV light by wearing sunglasses that obstruct 99 per cent UV and a hat.
- If you smoke, Smoking is a major risk factor for the development of cataracts.
- Use bright lights for frequent reading and other intense, eye-related activities. A magnifying glass may be helpful as well.
- Avoid driving at night once night vision, halos or glare becomes a problem.
- Take care of any underlying health problems, especially
- Consult your optometrist to get the right prescription glasses or contact lenses to help correct your vision.
- When it becomes increasingly challenging to complete your regular activities, consider cataract surgery.
Cataract surgery is a quick, simple procedure that can have a tremendous impact on improving your quality of life.
