Cataracts

CATARACTS

Cataracts are formed when the clear lens inside your eye become cloudy or misty. This is a gradual process that usually occurs as we get older. It does not hurt.

The main cause is age and most people will eventually develop a cataract in both eyes, although one eye may be affected before the other. However smoking and exposure to sunlight have been linked to the formation of cataracts. Cataracts affect men and women equally.

Can I prevent cataracts?

There are various supplements on the market which claim to help slow the progression of cataracts and some eye drops have been marketed as a treatment for them. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that any of these can prevent or treat cataracts. Stopping smoking and wearing good quality sunglasses may provide some protection in relation to cataracts, as well as other eye conditions. You cannot make your cataracts worse by using your eyes too much!

Can I drive if I have cataracts?

If you have cataracts, you may continue to drive providing you still meet the vision standards for driving. You do not need to tell the DVLA about your cataract unless you cannot meet their standards which we will advise you of.

Treating Cataracts

If your cataract is affecting your day-to-day life, and we can no longer improve your vision by changing your glasses, we will advise you and refer you to an ophthalmologist (eye specialist in the hospital) for surgery. This involves removing the cloudy lens (the cataract) and replacing it with a clear plastic one. If you have cataracts in both eyes, surgery will normally be carried out on one eye at a time.

After the operation

You will be given eye drops to use for the first few weeks after your operation. You should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise immediately after the operation, but you can carry on with most other activities around the home as normal. Nearly all your vision will return within two days of surgery and many people can return to their usual daily routine 24 hours after the operation. Avoid eye make-up, swimming, and getting soapy water in your eyes when you wash your hair for two weeks after the procedure. If you go out on a windy day, you may feel safer with sunglasses to prevent grit from getting in your eye.

Will the cataract come back?

After some months or years, some people notice that their vision becomes cloudy or misty again in the eye where the cataract has been removed. This is not the cataract returning, but is due to the sac which contains the replacement lens clouding up. This can be rectified by painless laser treatment in a matter of minutes. Contact us if you are worried that this is happening to you.

Will I need new glasses after my cataract operation?

Your eyesight will settle down after a few days or weeks. After cataract surgery most people will need to wear glasses for either distance, near vision or both. If you wore glasses before the operation you will find that they will need changing after the surgery.