Cataract

Why do cataracts occur?

The main cause of cataract is increasing age.  However, poor diet, smoking and increased UV exposure have been linked to cataract growth and progression.  Younger people can develop cataract if they have suffered any form of injury to the eye or head.  Certain medications such as steroids can also cause cataract growth and progression.

A small number of babies are born with cataracts; this is known as congenital cataract. 

Will cataracts affect my vision?

In the early stages, cataract will have little or no impact on your vision.  As it progresses, you may become more aware of glare and reduced vision.  Car headlights and streetlights can become more dazzling.  This may be helped by updating your glasses or through tinted lenses or sunglasses.  Care needs to be taken for those who are drivers that they do not wear the incorrect lens type for driving, and that their vision is monitored regularly to ensure they do not drop below the driving standard.  This is checked at your routine check but you can also continue to monitor it yourself by following the DVLA guidance.  The DVLA standard for driving is reading a number plate (with glasses or contact lenses if necessary) at a distance of 20 meters. 

Can cataract be treated?

Treatment for cataract is removal by surgery and is carried out by an ophthalmologist (a specialist eye doctor).  This involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear lens implant.  The procedure is usually performed as a day case and under local anaesthetic, and takes around 30 minutes.  

When will I need treatment?

Cataract progression varies from person to person and treatment depends on several factors.  Treatment will be recommended once cataract affects your day-to-day activities (e.g. driving, cooking, reading), and your Optometrist can no longer improve your vision enough by changing your glasses.  This stage varies for each individual, and a cataract does not have to be “ripe” before surgery is performed.

Risk factors:

Patients are at risk of cataracts when: -

·       Aged over 70 years

·       History of smoking

·       History of exposure to sunlight and/or UV radiation

·       Are taking certain medications (e.g. steroids)

·       Have had previous eye surgery

 For more information, please see https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cataracts/