What is cataract?
An opacified lens in the eye is a cataract. The eye is similar to a camera, light rays are focused by the lens onto the retina in order to form a sharp image. When a lens becomes opacified, the image formed will be blurred. The commonest cause of cataract is aging; other causes include diabetes, trauma, inflammation and congenital.
Symptoms of cataract
Most patients with cataracts will notice gradual blurring of vision. Others symptoms include glare under bright light, double vision in one eye, frequent change of glasses prescriptions, reduced dependence on reading glasses. The eye is not painful nor red unless in advanced cases with complications.
Can prevent cataracts?
In order to prevent cataract formation one should avoid strong ultra-violet light exposure by the use of sunglasses.
Cataract extraction surgery
Surgery is the only treatment for cataract, and over 95% of patients can restore their vision after surgery. After the removal of cataract, an individualised intraocular lens implant will be fitted in place for best visual outcome. Usually this microscopic surgery is performed under local anesthesia and lasts less than 30 minutes. There is no need to stay in the hospital after surgery. Most cataract are removed by ultrasound phacoemulsification. This minimally invasive approach ensures faster recovery due to a small wound size.