CATARACTS

 

THE CRYSTALLINE LENS IS SITUATED BEHIND THE IRIS, THE COLOURED PART OF THE EYE.

 

The purpose of the lens is to focus light onto the retina, the sensory surface on the back of the lens. Over time, the lens can become cloudy causing disrupting the clarity of vision, leading to a cataract.
Symptoms of a cataract developing can include blurred vision, double vision, changes in colour perception, and even sensitivity to lights. In the early stages of cataracts, correcting the vision with spectacles and contact lenses can be appropriate.

Looking after your eyes into old age can help prevent the onset of cataracts.
Common risk factors for developing cataracts include:

• SMOKING
• OVER-EXPOSING EYES TO UV RAYS
• REGULARLY DRINKING TOO MUCH ALCOHOL
• DIABETES

Over time, your condition could get worse and eventually surgery will be required to replace the lens with an artificial one.

Cataract removal is the most common surgical procedure in the developed world and takes approximately 15-20 minutes.