A cataract is a condition where the normally clear lens of the eye becomes clouded, resulting in vision impairments.
Cataract surgery removes this cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear, artificial one to help restore sight. Here’s our guide to cataract surgery—one of the most commonly performed surgeries in Australia.
Understanding cataracts
Cataracts develop gradually when proteins in the eye’s natural lens clump together, causing cloudiness that impairs vision. The risk of cataract increases with age but is not the only cause. The following can contribute to cataracts:
- UV exposure
- Diabetes
- Use of certain medications
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Trauma to the inner lens
- Congenital abnormalities.
As cataracts develop gradually, you may not notice the initial, subtle changes to your vision which can often be mistaken for incorrect glasses or other external influences.
So, how do you know if you have cataracts? Common cataract symptoms include:
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Sensitivity to light
- Seeing halos around lights.
If left untreated, cataracts can lead to significant vision loss – indeed, they’re a leading cause of vision impairment for older Australians.
