Cataract

Cataracts are opacities in the crystalline lens, the lens inside the eye. These opacities prevent light from passing through the eye optimally, leading to vision changes.

Some of the symptoms of cataracts include:

• blurred vision
• difficulty with night vision
• halos around the lights
• drop in contrast
• glare

Factors associated with early development of cataracts:

• Light-coloured eyes
• Exposure to UV rays
• Diabetes
• Smoking

The treatment

Cataract treatment is surgical. During cataract surgery, the surgeon inserts an instrument into the eye that breaks the lens into small pieces, then vacuums out the pieces. It was once believed that we had to wait until cataracts were sufficiently mature before surgery. A more mature or advanced cataract is actually thicker and denser, requiring more time and energy to break up the cataract during surgery. Surgical removal of advanced cataracts is at higher risk of complications.

It is important to consult for routine eye exams which allow your optometrist to measure your vision and assess the level of cataracts. When your optometrist examines you, she can see the cataracts in your eyes using special equipment called a slit lamp and she can assess the density or size of the cataracts and compare from one visit to the next . Your optometrist will discuss with you the possibility of consulting a surgeon to assess the need for cataract surgery.