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Last Update: April,
2011 12:06 PM
Cataract
A cataract is a clouding of all or part of the normally clear lens within your eye, which results in blurred or distorted vision. Cataracts are most often found in persons over age 55, but they are also occasionally found in younger people.
Cataract is the commonest cause of visual impairment in people over 60 years of age in Australia. Opacification of the lens results in obscuration of vision and glare.
No one knows exactly what causes cataracts, but it is known that a chemical change
occurs within your eye to cause the lens to become cloudy. This may be due to advancing
age, heredity or an injury or disease.
Although cataracts develop without pain or
discomfort, there are some indications that a cataract may be forming. These include
blurred or hazy vision, the appearance of spots in front of the eyes, increased sensitivity
to glare or the feeling of having a film over the eyes. Currently, there is no proven
method to prevent cataracts from forming.
Small incision surgery with intra ocular lens implantation using ultrasonic fragmentation of the lens is now common surgical practice.
Local anaesthetic allows for safe Day Surgery with rapid visual recovery. Patients have unrestricted post operative activity.