Cataracts

Cataracts occur because of the loss of transparency of the crystalline lens of the eye. This is caused by changes in the protein fibres in the lens which gradually becomes more opaque. Cataracts never cause complete blindness because light can always penetrate the lens even when it is no longer clear.

However there is a gradual loss of clarity and detail in the sight as transparency decreases. The resulting whiteness of the lens is not visible to an observer until it has covered the front of the lens.

It is usual for cataracts to develop in both eyes, but generally speaking one eye becomes affected earlier than the other and this will probably be the most severely affected of the two.

Cataracts are generally found in the elderly and almost everybody over 65 has at least slight cataracts in their eyes. These are, however, usually found at the edge of the lens and thus do not interfere with sight. By 75, however, almost everybody has some degree of cataract which increasingly affects clarity of sight.

Cataracts caused by ageing

The cause of cataracts in elderly people is unknown and it is assumed that they develop as part of the aging process. As the years advance, the lens gradually hardens and cataracts develop in a crystalline form.

Some infants whose mothers suffered from German Measles (Rubella) or who took various drugs during her pregnancy, are born with cataracts. Similarly some children with Down's Syndrome might be born with cataracts.

Cataracts can also be caused by an injury to the eye and this condition is often found in people with diabetes, particularly if the blood-sugar level is very high.

Cataracts are not painful

No pain is associated with cataracts. This means that the early symptoms are not readily noticed especially as the growth of the cataracts is very gradual. Loss of clarity of vision is the first noticeable symptom. Indeed, changes in the lens cause increased short sight so that people who were originally long-sighted find that they no longer need to wear glasses for reading!

There is also some slight change in the appreciation of colour which is usually not noticed until full sight is restored after the affected lens is removed.

One great danger for those who suffer from cataracts is that the affected lens scatters light rays as they enter the eye. This can affect night-driving very badly indeed, even before the patient realises that he/she has cataracts.

Once the patient's sight is noticeably affected, the cataracts have become irreversible. The only treatment is removal of the affected lens.

Treating Cataract >>