Can you explain what cataracts are and how they occur?The eye has a clear lens which both allows light to pass through it and helps the eye to focus images, rather like a camera.
A cataract is where this clear lens becomes cloudy or opaque. This results in the images we see appearing fuzzy and out of focus. Cataracts can take many years to develop and are commonly associated with the ageing process. They can occur in one or both eyes and can form at varying rates.
How serious are cataracts?
Because cataracts are usually painless and are associated with a slow progressive loss of sight, it is not unusual for people to wait until their vision is so poor that it affects their ability to carry out everyday tasks, before they seek medical assistance. However, a cataract can eventually impair vision to such an extent as to cause blindness. In addition, an untreated cataract can lead to glaucoma, a condition caused by an increase in fluid pressure in the eye.
Therefore, if you have noticed any changes in your sight, it's important that you make an appointment with your GP or optometrist for an eye examination.
I've heard you can have surgery for cataracts but that you are awake during the procedure. Is this true?
The most common form of cataract surgery nowadays involves the removal of the clouded lens with a device called an intraocular lens implanted in its place. It is usual for it to be carried out under local anaesthetic either as a day patient or with an overnight stay in hospital after the surgery.
The procedure involves a numbing solution being injected above and below the eye. While the eye remains open during the surgery the anaesthetic blocks the optic nerve so that the eye cannot actually see during the procedure. The other eye will be taped shut to prevent movement during surgery. You will be required to stay still and silent while the procedure is in progress.
Although you may feel apprehensive prior to surgery, the majority of patients who have had it done say the procedure was not as bad as they thought it would be. Ask your surgeon to explain what will happen during the surgery including any pre and post operative measures you may have to follow.
In most patients, distance vision returns almost immediately after the surgery while for near vision, reading glasses may be required.