Cataracts
Symptoms
- Weakening eyesight
- A view as if through a fog
- Hesitation in the eyes
- Faded colours
Diagnostics
Determined by routine eye examination
Treatment
- Glasses
- Surgical eye surgery
What is a cataract?
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.
What are the symptoms of cataracts?
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.
What causes cataracts?
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.)
How is cataract diagnosis performed?
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.
Cataract surgery
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.
What help is available?
If you have low-grade cataracts, stronger reading glasses and brighter lighting may help for a while. However, in most cases, cataracts progress over time (usually over many years), so it is likely that you will eventually need surgery. Usually, surgery is recommended when the visual impairment interferes with everyday activities (driving, reading, etc.).
Take care of your eyes!
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Frequently asked questions
Do cataracts only occur in one eye?
If you have had cataract surgery in one eye, it is likely that you may need the same treatment in the future for the other eye.
Are cataracts only older people?
No. Although cataracts are usually common in older people, there are cases in children, as the clouding of the lens can be congenital. It is also rare, but also affects younger people, who may develop cataracts as a result of various injuries, inflammation or general illnesses such as diabetes.
What are the risks of cataract surgery?
Cataract surgery is extremely successful and the vast majority of patients are satisfied with the results. However, as with all surgical interventions, there are some risks involved, so you should only go ahead with surgery when you are fully prepared. Before surgery, the possible risks and what they might be in your particular case will be discussed with you. The right time for surgery may be different for each person. The most important thing is that the surgery is performed when you are psychologically ready
Can I opt out of surgical cataract treatment?
If cataracts do not interfere with your daily life, it is not necessary to take measures. If you delay surgery, it will not affect the complexity of the operation in the future, it will simply mean that as the cataract progresses you will not be able to see as clearly as before. A cataract does not have to be ‘mature’ to be operated on. Surgical treatment can be done at any time once the cataract starts to interfere with your daily life.
