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A cataract is a cloudy lens in the eye that obstructs vision and eventually causes visual loss.
The lens of the eye functions as a focusing mechanism for light entering the eye. It is originally transparent so that the maximum amount of light can enter the eye to produce clear vision. Therefore once the lens loses transparency and becomes cloudy, vision becomes blurred.
Dense cataract.
A posterior subcapsular cataract may cause symptoms at a younger age than other types of cataracts.
Causes of cataracts
The most common cause of cataracts is increasing age. Other causes include long term exposure to ultraviolet radiation (strong sunlight), poorly controlled diabetes, certain medication like steroids and severe injury to the eye, etc. These other factors can cause cataracts in younger individuals.
Even children can have cataracts and these may be inborn or related to genes in the family.
Paediatric cataract.
Symptoms
Cataracts cause a variety of symptoms. The commonest symptom is blurring of vision which worsens with time, or blurring of vision that does not improve with glasses. Cataracts may also cause unusually rapid changes in the power of eye glasses. Other symptoms include increased glare, seeing haloes and double vision when looking out of the affected eye.
When should I consider cataract surgery?
You should consider cataract surgery once blurring of vision makes daily life inconvenient, or when you are no longer able to see well enough to do your favourite things like reading, playing golf, travelling, etc. If the blurring of vision is severe enough to cause falls or increase the risk of accidents while driving, surgery is highly recommended.
Treatment
Cataract surgery is a common eye surgery which is done as a day surgery procedure.
Phacoemulsification or the use of an ultrasonic device to emulsify and remove the cataract.
An intraocular lens implant is inserted to replace the cataract (cloudy lens) which has been removed.
