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Cataracts are an opaque or non transparent area in the lens of the eye which causes a gradual, painless deterioration of sight, beginning with an inability to see detail clearly and a distortion of sight in the presence of bright light.

Cataracts are a common condition of the lens of the eye which if left untreated can result in complete loss of sight, but modern surgical techniques are very effective in restoring good vision.

A cataract can occur in either or both eyes, but it cannot spread from one eye to the other. No one knows for sure why the eye’s lens change as we age, forming cataracts. Researchers are gradually indentifying factors that may cause cataracts and information that may help to prevent them.

As many studies suggest that exposure to ultraviolet light is associated with cataract development, eye care practitioners recommend wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat to reduce the exposure. Other studies suggest people with diabetes are at risk for developing a cataract.

Cataracts may also occur due to hereditary factors or as a result of some kind of damage to the foetus early in the pregnancy, for example, infection with German measles.

Cataracts can form for other eye problems such as glaucoma or can develop in people who have other health problems such as diabetes. They can develop after an eye injury, sometimes years later. They can develop after exposure to some types of radiation.

A study at the University of Iceland discovered that commercial pilots have a 3-fold increase in cataracts compared to non-pilots due to ionizing radiation at high altitudes.

Cataracts can be discovered in a routine eye examination or after the patient complains of symptoms such as blurred vision, poor colour perception, glare around lights, poor night vision, double vision or frequent eyewear prescription changes. Some of these symptoms can also be caused by diseases other than cataracts.

In the early stages, the symptoms of cataracts may be relieved by stronger eyeglasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses and magnifying glasses. 0nly cataracts which cause symptoms need treatment.

The treatment for removing a cataract depends upon a person’s age and the type of cataract present.

Modern cataract surgery is effective in restoring vision in most patients. Generally speaking, once a cataract has been operated upon and vision corrected, the patient will be able to see quite satisfactorily again.

After surgery, you will rest in a recovery area for a few hours. The after-effects of sedation and local anesthetic are usually only slight. Your eye specialist or nurse will tell you what you should and should not do once you get home. You must arrange someone to take you home after surgery.

You may be told to wear some form of eye protection on the first day or two. If the light is too bright when you take off the shield, you can wear sunglasses. You must take eye-drops or other medicine your eye specialist prescribe.

Most patients will require spectacles for fine visual tasks.