Cataracts

A cataract is a clouding that develops in the eye’s crystaline lens or its envelope. Cataracts vary from slight to complete opacity that obstructs the passage of light. Most cataracts are age related. In the early stages, they can cause near-sightedness and a yellowing of the lens that reduces perception of blue colors. Cataracts progress slowly, gradually causing vision loss. They can cause blinding if left untreated. One eye is often affected earlier than the other one. They are caused by long-term exposure to ultraviolet light, radiation, and as secondary effects of diabetes, hypertension, age or trauma. Some drugs also can induce cataract development. Age-related cataracts are responsible for 48 percent of blindness.

The most effective and common treatment is surgery in which an incision is made in the capsule of the cloudy lens, the lens is removed and the lens is replaced with a plastic lens implant which stays in the eye permanently. The operation is performed using a local anaesthetic and the patient is allowed to go home the next day. Patients also can chose a multifocal lens which enables them to be less dependemt on glasses. 

When cataracts disrupt your life to the point that you are not able to see and the quality of your life significantly declines, cataract surgery may be an option. This depends on many factors which you will want to discuss with our doctors in a consultation.  We can help you determine whether cataract surgery is right for you.