Cataracts

What is a cataract?

Inside the eye is a small lens which helps you see clearly. The lens sits just behind the coloured iris. As you grow older the lens naturally starts to become cloudy, this is called a cataract. The lens will never clear again and so will need to be removed to help you see clearly again.

What causes it?

The lens within your eye is similar to a camera lens, adjusting the eyes focus to see things clearly up close and in the distance. The lens focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye for clear vision.

The lens is mostly made up of water and protein and this is arranged in a precise way that keeps the lens clear, allowing light to pass through. As we age, the protein can start to cluster together causing the lens to become cloudy. Over time, the protein could build and more of the lens could cloud over making it difficult to see. 

What you may experience:

At first, your cataract may have little effect on your vision. Over time the vision can become blurred and not improve even with a new pair of glasses. Sometimes patients experience glare in bright light (like sun through a dirty windscreen).

What treatment is needed?

When cataracts first develop you may be able to improve your vision with new glasses, magnification and lighting. Once your cataracts have progressed and your impaired vision affects your daily life you may wish to consider cataract surgery.

Cataract surgery is a relatively painless, simple procedure which is very successful in restoring vision.

Who will I see for treatment?

For assessment and treatment of cataract see our Cataract Surgeons: Mr Kotagiri, Mr Ghosh, Mr Habib or Mr Doherty