CATARACT
A cataract is a clouding of all or part of the
normally clear lens within your eye, which results
in blurred or distorted vision. Cataracts are
most often found in persons over age 55, but they
are also occasionally found in younger people.
Cataract
is the commonest cause of visual impairment in
people over 60 years of age in Australia. Opacification
of the lens results in obscuration of vision and
glare. Observation at arms length of the red reflex
delineates larger cataracts as shadows in the
light path.
No
one knows exactly what causes cataracts, but it
is known that a chemical change occurs within your
eye to cause the lens to become cloudy. This may
be due to advancing age, heredity or an injury or
disease. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation
in sunlight, cigarette smoking or the use of certain
medications are also risk factors for the development
of cataracts.
Although
cataracts develop without pain or discomfort, there
are some indications that a cataract may be forming.
These include blurred or hazy vision, the appearance
of spots in front of the eyes, increased sensitivity
to glare or the feeling of having a film over the
eyes. A temporary improvement in near vision may
also indicate formation of a cataract. Currently,
there is no proven method to prevent cataracts from
forming.
Small
incision suture less surgery with intra ocular lens
implantation using ultrasonic fragmentation of the
lens is now common surgical practice.
Local
anaesthetic allows for safe Day Surgery with rapid
visual recovery. Patients have unrestricted post
operative activity.
