Cataracts

This is a clouding of the lens of the eye, causing a blurry, hazy image. It is usually more common in people over 65 years of age. Cataracts are a very common, leading cause of visual impairment worldwide.

Cataracts take many years to develop and the problems they cause may not be noticeable at first. It often develops in both eyes, but the severity of damage to the eyes can vary. Symptoms of cataracts can include:

• A blurry, hazy view, as if through a fog;
• It may be harder to see at dusk or in very bright light;
• Bright lights can become blinding and cause discomfort;
• Colours may appear faded or less clear, with yellow or brown undertones;
• Hesitation in the eyes;
• Haloes (circles of light) can appear around bright lights (like car or street lights).

Cataracts are not painful and do not cause red or irritated eyes. It usually only causes blurred, hazy vision, as if you were looking through fog. You may also notice small dots, spots where the image is less clear.

A cataract occurs when the clear lens in the eye begins to cloud up, preventing light from reaching the far side of the eye and making vision blurry and foggy. Most people develop cataracts as they get older. Other factors can also increase the risk of developing cataracts, such as:

• If you have a family history of cataracts;
• Smoking;
• Regular consumption of large amounts of alcohol;
• Poor diet leading to severe vitamin deficiencies;
• UV light to the eye;
• Long-term use of steroid drugs;
• Previous eye injuries or surgery;
• Certain medical conditions (diabetes, etc.)

Cataracts can be detected during a routine eye examination. If your eye care professional suspects that cataracts may be affecting your quality of life, you may be referred to an ophthalmologist or eye surgeon who will confirm the diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.

If surgery is indicated, the surgery will be performed in hospital by an ophthalmologist who will first assess your eye condition and vision.

• Most cataract surgeries are performed under local anaesthesia. This means that you will be awake during the operation, but the ophthalmologist will make sure that you do not feel anything in your eye area.
• The ophthalmologist will make a small incision in your eye to remove the cataract and insert a plastic replacement lens so you can see clearly again.
• The operation usually takes 15 to 45 minutes. You are allowed to go home the same day, but you should have a caregiver with you for at least 24 hours after surgery.
• Almost all of your vision improves in the first few days after surgery and many people can return to their normal daily routine 24 hours after surgery.

Immediately after surgery, you should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise, eye make-up and soapy water in the eyes. If you go outside on a windy day, you will feel safer wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes from dust.