What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a condition in which the natural lens of your eye becomes cloudier and hazier as you age. This is a natural process that is typically age-related. Some other causes of cataracts are given below:

• UV exposure
• Certain medications e.g. steroids
• Diabetes
• Eye surgeries

People with cataracts may experience clouded vision. They may struggle with glare when driving at night with car headlights. Additionally, colours may appear faded and less bright than they once were.

Types of Cataracts:

Different types of cataracts can form within the human eye depending on what part of the natural lens is affected. The most common types of cataracts are:

• Nuclear
• Cortical
• Posterior Sub Capsular

Image from: https://lookafteryoureyes.org/eye-care/how-your-eye-works

Diagnosing Cataracts:

Your optometrist will be able to examine the natural lens in your eye to see if cataracts are forming. This is performed during your normal eye checkup with the microscope shown below.

Image from: https://www.college-optometrists.org/category-landing-pages/binocular-vision?page=2

Treatment Options:

Surgery is currently the only available treatment option for cataracts. Surgery is normally recommended when a cataract affects your quality of life or causes vision loss. Your optometrist will be able to advise and discuss with you whether cataract surgery is necessary for you and will refer you to a suitable hospital. This can be carried out either through the NHS or privately.

The surgery involves removing the cloudy lens in your eye and replacing it with a clear plastic lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). Most surgeries are completed under a local anaesthetic and have a very high success rate.

You will be required to use drops after the surgery to lower the risk of complications and you will attend a 4-6 week follow-up appointment with your optometrist after the surgery.

Treating Early Cataracts which don’t require surgery:

If the cataract does not require surgery, there are alternative steps you can take to alleviate the symptoms of glare and fuzzy vision.

1. Ensure you are wearing your up-to-date eye prescription
2. An anti-reflective coating on your spectacles will reduce the effects of glare and light scatter from the cataract
3. Ensure you are wearing UV protection e.g. sunglasses or peak-brimmed hats to protect your eyes
4. Change contrast settings on your screens
5. Use brighter lights at home or work and incorporate task lighting for reading

Images from: https://pngimg.com/image/54433 and https://www.anglepoise.com/product/original-1227-desk-lamp-jet-black/

Importance of Regular Eye Checks:

By attending regular eye examinations, your optometrist can detect early changes to the natural lens in your eyes.

Your optometrist will be able to advise you whether these changes can be monitored or discuss treatment options with you at your appointment.

Image from: https://www.britannica.com/science/eyeball