A cataract is a clouding of the lens in your eye. At first, any blurred eyesight may be almost unnoticeable. However, cataracts eventually result in severe blurred vision that has a major impact on your independence and lifestyle.
A cataract is not a visible film on the outside of the eye and there may not be any obvious signs that it is developing as it usually develops over time. Common cataract symptoms include:
The development of cataracts occurs naturally as a result of aging of the eye and the diagnosis of cataracts in adults over 50 is not unusual. Blunt trauma can also be one of the other causes of cataract development. Cataracts sometimes occur in infants and children as a congenital defect.
Normally, the lens at the front of the eye focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye which creates a clear, sharp image. When the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and hazy, light cannot pass through freely and your vision becomes blurred.
Cataract operations are performed routinely. There is no need to stay overnight in hospital and generally you will be home within a few hours of your cataract surgery.
Not all cataracts require treatment but if your vision is affected and it begins to interfere with your work, lifestyle or prevents you from carrying out your normal daily living activities Dr Glastonbury may suggest that you consider surgery.
A cataract is not a visible film on the outside of the eye and there may not be any obvious signs that it is developing as it usually develops over time. Common cataract symptoms include:
- Deterioration of your distance and reading vision.
- Hazy, fuzzy or blurred vision.
- Increased sensitivity to light and glare.
- Difficulty driving at night.
- No improvement in vision with stronger glasses.
The development of cataracts occurs naturally as a result of aging of the eye and the diagnosis of cataracts in adults over 50 is not unusual. Blunt trauma can also be one of the other causes of cataract development. Cataracts sometimes occur in infants and children as a congenital defect.
Normally, the lens at the front of the eye focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye which creates a clear, sharp image. When the lens of the eye becomes cloudy and hazy, light cannot pass through freely and your vision becomes blurred.
Cataract operations are performed routinely. There is no need to stay overnight in hospital and generally you will be home within a few hours of your cataract surgery.
Not all cataracts require treatment but if your vision is affected and it begins to interfere with your work, lifestyle or prevents you from carrying out your normal daily living activities Dr Glastonbury may suggest that you consider surgery.
