What is a Cataract?
Fig. Light through a clear lens is focused on the retina, the film of the eye. Light through a cloudy lens (cataract) scatters, causing blurred vision and glare.
The lens is a transparent and flexible structure in the eye that allows the eyes to focus clearly on objects at varying distances. A cataract is a misting or clouding of the normally transparent lens. This prevents light entering the eye properly and causes a dimness of vision. Whilst not a growth, if left untreated, people with cataracts may eventually go blind.
What causes a cataract?
Most cataracts are the result of the body’s normal ageing process, and tend to worsen with time. Less commonly, cataracts occur as a result of an injury to the eye or in infancy, due to faulty development of the eye.
What can be done about cataracts?
Mild cataracts often do not require treatment. A change of glasses alone may improve vision. However, cataracts tend to become more mature over time, at which point, cataract surgery is the only possible treatment. Cataract surgery involves making small ports to access the inside of the eye, removing the cataract and replacing it with a clear artificial lens.
How do I know if I need cataract surgery?
Cataracts cause a reduction in:
Quality of vision
Distance and reading vision
Colour appreciation
Night vision
These changes may interfere with many of your activities, such as watching television, driving, using a computer, mobile phone or walking across the road.
The decision on when to perform cataract surgery is usually based on the severity of the cataract and how much it is interfering with your vision and daily life. Dr Yun will provide you with the necessary information to make an informed decision.