| Understanding Cataracts |
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| A
cataract is clouding of the part of your eye
called the lens. Your vision becomes blurred
because the cataract is like frosted glass,
interfering with your sight. It is not a layer
of skin that grows over your eye, despite
what you may have heard. If your Optometrist
has told you that you have a cataract, don’t
be alarmed. Many people over 60 have some
cataract and the vast majority can be treated
successfully. |
| What
is the function of the lens ? |
| The lens is a
clear tissue found behind the iris, the coloured
part of the eye. The lens helps to focus light
on the back of the eye-the retina-forming
an image. |
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| How
does cataract affect your sight ? |
| Blurry
Sight
This is very common. You may notice that
your sight has become blurred or misty,
or that your glasses seem dirty or appear
scratched.
Dazzled by light
You may be dazzled by lights, such as car
headlights and sunlight.
Change of colour
visionYour colour may become washed out
or faded. |
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| What
causes a cataract? |
| Cataracts can
form at any age. Most develop as people get
older but we don’t yet know why, although
research is being done in a number of possible
causes. In younger people we know that they
can result from conditions such as diabetes,
certain medications and alongside other longstanding
eye problems. |
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| What
treatment is available? |
| The
most effective treatment for cataracts is
an operation to remove the cloud lens. Diets
or drugs have not been shown to slow or stop
the development of cataract. |
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| When
should I have the operation? |
In
the past, eye specialists often waited until
the cataract became ‘ripe’ and
your vision was very poor before suggesting
you had the cataract removed. Nowadays, with
modern surgery, the operation is usually done
as soon as your eyesight interferes with your
daily life and your ability to read, to work,
or to do the things you enjoy. You will probably
consider surgery if this is the case.
If you are a driver you must reach the visual
standard required by the Drivers and Licensing
Authority (DVLA), and it may be necessary
to have the cataract removed in order to keep
your licence. Ask your Optometrist for details. |
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Pre-Operative Assessment
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| Before the operation,
you and your eye will be carefully checked
to decide the details of the operation. This
may require a separate visit before the operation. |
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What happens in the
operation? |
Almost everyone
has a local anaesthetic. With a local anaesthetic,
you will be awake but will feel nothing in
your eye. Usually the eye specialist will
explain what is happening as the operation
goes along, and someone will also be there
to hold your hand if you wish, and make sure
you are comfortable and relaxed. You may vaguely
see some movement but no details of the operation.
If however, you do have a general anaesthetic
you will be completely unconscious, and it
will be like sleeping through the operation.
The eye specialist does the operation with
the aid of a microscope, through a small incision
on the eye. This incision is so small that
stitches are usually not necessary. The operation
often takes about 15-20 minutes, although
it can take longer. During the operation the
lens containing the cataract is removed and
replaced with a plastic lens, so that the
eye can see clearly after the operation. This
plastic lens is called an intraocular lens
implant and remains permanently in your eye.
A pad or shield will probably be put over
your eye to protect it from accidental rubbing
and bumping after the operation. Laser cannot
perform the operation, although laser treatment
is sometimes needed afterwards if the lens
casing, which is usually left in place, becomes
cloudy.
We want to reassure you that your eye is not
taken out of its socket during surgery. The
operation is not painful and if stitches are
used, they cannot be seen or felt.
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After the operation |
Most people
notice an instant improvement in sight,
although complete healing may take several
months. You will be given eye drops for
use for up to two months after your operation.
It is a good idea to have some help at home,
especially if you find it difficult to put
your eye drops in. Most people will have
the operation and go home on the same day,
and will probably be able to carry on with
normal daily activities – but do think
about the following:
- Avoid rubbing the eye; wear an eye shield
if you are a restless sleeper.
- Don’t do any very heavy lifting,
and avoid strenuous exercise and swimming.
- Take care if it is windy, in case anything
blows in your eye, although you don’t
need to stay indoor.
The eye specialist or nurse at the eye clinic
will be able to answer any questions that
you may have, and advise you when to have
an eye check, when you can go back to work,
drive and fly again. |
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Possible Problems |
Cataract surgery
is one of the most successful operations.
Fewer than two percent of patients have
serious, unforeseen complications. If you
have any concerns after the operation ring
the eye clinic or the doctor on call in
the eye unit.
One of the commonest, and easily correctable,
complications is a thickening of the lens
casing – the part of the eye that
holds the lens in place. As mentioned earlier,
this can be corrected with laser treatment.
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