Cataracts

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, located behind the iris.
Key characteristics include:

• Usually occurs in later adulthood
• Gradual blurring of vision
• Reduced light reaching the retina
• Decreased visual quality
• Potential vision loss if left untreated

Early symptoms of cataracts include:

• Blurry or clouded vision
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Sensitivity to light and glare
• Seeing "halos" around lights
• Faded or yellowing colours
• Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription
• Double vision in a single eye

Cataracts typically develop slowly and are primarily associated with aging.
However, several factors can accelerate their development:

• Diabetes
• Prolonged use of cortisone medications
• Eye injuries
• Congenital factors (present from birth due to maternal infections during pregnancy)

Diagnosis involves a comprehensive eye examination, which typically includes:

• Visual acuity testing
• Slit-lamp examination
• Retinal examination
• Assessment of lens cloudiness
• Measuring the impact on daily activities

The primary treatment for cataracts is surgical intervention:

• Phacoemulsification surgery (20-minute procedure)
• Performed under local anaesthesia
• Replacement of clouded lens with an artificial intraocular lens
• Multiple lens options available:
  • Mono-focal lenses
  • Mono-vision lenses
  • Toric lenses
  • Extended depth-of-focus lenses
  • Multifocal premium lenses

Success Rate

• Over 95% of cataract surgeries successfully restore useful vision
• Minimal complications with modern surgical techniques

Recovery Time

• Procedure takes approximately 20 minutes
• Self-healing process
• Most patients return to normal activities within a few days
• Full visual stabilisation may take several weeks

Medications and Care

• Prescription eye drops to prevent infection
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Possible need for spectacles for near or distance vision
• Follow-up appointments to monitor healing