Cataracts are not, as many people think, a growth across the front of the eye, but are in fact changes in transparency of the lens. All the light the eye sees must pass through the lens. So changes in the transparency of this lens effects the vision. The most common types develop as you get older. They usually change very slowly starting from a slight mistiness to an opaque mass that obliterates the light completely. Some cataracts are congenital and others are secondary to other problems, injuries, haemorrhages, diabetes etc.

Cataracts are very common in people over 65, effecting about 25% in a significant way. Over 75 about 50% of people are significantly affected; this can mean anything from a slight blurring to very poor sight, which slowly gets worse.

Treatment
Today cataracts can be treated very effectively. First of all spectacles can be prescribed which improve vision. (Most cataracts cause more frequent changes in spectacle prescriptions and this is the first thing that should be checked). When spectacles can no longer help the next step is referral to an eye clinic to assess the possibility of removing the natural lens itself containing the cataract.

Cataract surgery is very common these days. Improvements in technology have made this a lot easier. Usually one eye is treated at a time when the vision has deteriorated. Using surgery the whole lens of one eye is removed taking the cataract with it. This allows light back into the eye but as the lens itself is quite powerful, strong spectacles are required to correct the eyes but good vision can result. More commonly now, an artificial lens can be used to replace the natural lens - this is called an implant. Implants result in good vision without the need for strong spectacles.

If implants have not been used then lenticular lenses are usually required. These lenses can resemble a "fried egg" in appearance, however, they can be blended considerably to improve their look. The vision is much better soon after a cataract operation, although for one year or so after the operation, spectacles may need changing more frequently than normal whilst things settle down.

Our home visiting opticians are always available to answer your questions about cataracts or the best lenses to correct them.

If you are worried in any way about your eyes, you can call us on 0800 9549 100 to book an appointment with an optician who will be able to test your eyes and assess any potential problems.