Special Looks Opticians
CATARACT
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CATARACTS
Cataracts are a common, often age related, change to our eyes. Occasionally cataracts can be caused by excessive UV light exposure, trauma, and diabetes.
We all have a lens inside our eye that helps us to focus light at the back of the eye, but gradually with time, this lens becomes denser and yellows, this is what is known as a cataract. Most people in later years of life will develop a cataract
Symptoms of cataract include:
- Increased sensitivity to light and glare, in particular when driving at night
- Blurry vision
- Colours appearing more muted and yellow
If you are having symptoms of cataracts, we suggest that you book an eye examination
WHAT CAN BE DONE?
Often early cataracts do not require any intervention. People who are told that they have early cataracts may be able to delay the worsening of cataracts by:
- Wearing good sunglasses and wide brimmed hats
- Eating healthily
- Maintaining good control of their diabetes (if applicable)
When cataracts become quite advanced, or a patient is suffering with symptoms of their cataracts quite signficantly, we will often recommend a routine, easy surgery to remove the cataract, and replace the lens in the eye with a plastic intraocular lens.
Many patients have anxiety around having an eye operation, but generally speaking cataract surgery only takes about 20 minutes, and is totally painless.
We work with a variety of different private and NHS hospitals to provide tailored care, suitable for each patients needs. If you require referral, your optometrist will advise you on your options and help develop a plan to get you treatment.
AFTER THE OPERATION CAN CATARACTS COME BACK?
The short answer is no. Owing to the fact that cataracts form inside our crystalline lens, once removed they cannot reoccur. Some patients do develop a common complication from cataract surgery of posterior capsular opacification, which can feel like their cataracts have come back. This is easily treated with a special laser, which will restore clear vision instantly with very minimal risk.
CATARACT GALLERY
A rare form of cataract seen in a patient in our clinic
The most common type of cataract. Captured from a patient in our clinic
Also known as a bicycle spoke cataract. These cataracts grow in from the edge of the lens and encroach on centre of the lens. Captured from a patient in our clinic
