What is Cataract?

What causes Cataract?

What are the symptoms of Cataract?

Common symptoms of cataract include: a painless blurring of vision; glare, or light sensitivity; poor night vision; double vision in one eye; needing brighter light to read; fading or yellowing of colors. The amount and pattern of cloudiness within the lens can vary. If the cloudiness is not near the center of the lens, you may not be aware that a cataract is present.

Who are at the risk of getting Cataracts?

Older people are generally more at risk of developing cataracts than younger people. Approximately 60% of people ages 60 and older have their vision significantly affected by cataract formation. For people over age 55, cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss. In addition, cataracts can result from a variety of other causes, including injury, heredity, and disease.

How is a Cataract diagnosed?

Cataracts are usually detected during an examination by a qualified ophthalmologist. Regular appointments are important for early detection of cataracts. Some of the standard eye tests that may be used to diagnose cataracts include:

• Visual acuity test - A chart is used to evaluate how well the patient sees at multiple distances.
• Pupil dilation - Eye drops widen the pupil so that the lens and retina can be better examined.
• Tonometry - Fluid pressure in the eye is gauged in this exam, which also helps detect glaucoma.

Are there any medical treatments for Cataracts?

There are no medications, eye drops, exercises or glasses that will cause cataracts to disappear once they have formed. Surgery is the only way to remove a cataract.

What are the possible treatments options?

Surgery is the only way to remove a cataract. In cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is removed from the eye through a surgical incision. In most cases, the natural lens is replaced with a permanent intraocular lens (IOL) implant.

When should surgery be done?

Surgery should be considered when cataracts cause enough loss of vision to interfere with your daily activities. It is not true that cataracts need to be "ripe" before they can be removed, or that they need to be removed just because they are present. Based on your symptoms, you and your ophthalmologist should decide together when surgery is appropriate.

Is cataract surgery serious?

No. 98% of cataract surgeries are considered successful. Most patients report improved vision and few complications.

What is the chance of having normal vision again? How effective is cataract surgery?

The success rate of cataract surgery is excellent. Improved vision is achieved in the majority of patients. Most people will still require glasses or contacts after cataract surgery, despite the improvement in vision that the procedure offers.

My relative had cataract surgery a few years ago, and he had to wear thick glasses afterward. Is this still necessary?

Nowadays cataract patients who have intraocular lenses (IOLs) implanted during surgery may need reading glasses for close vision, but that's about it. Rarely does anyone have to wear thick eyeglasses now.

Can I prevent the Cataract formation?

NO. Generally cataract is caused due to ageing process, hence its formation cannot be stopped. There are no medications, eye drops, exercises or glasses that will cause cataracts to disappear once they have formed.

Can I donate eyes after cataract surgery?

YES

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