Cataract

Over time everyone’s lens inside the eye changes & becomes less transparent with age.  Once these changes affect vision you may be told a cataract is forming.
cataracts can also be caused by trauma or be congenital (from birth). Some medications can also accelerate the developments of cataracts. 

There are many different shapes and forms of cataract so individuals will have different symptoms. Some may not be aware at all while others may notice:

Loss of Contrast – colours may appear dull or blend together for example it can become difficult to see a red ball on green grass, everything may have a yellow or brown tinge.
Misty Vision – especially in poor light or night time when the pupil gets bigger espousing more of the lens behind.  You may fine it more difficult to see in dim or poor light.
Glare from bright lights may be dazzling or uncomfortable to look at.
Double vision can be experienced by some.
Halos (circle of light) around bright lights such as car headlights or street lights.
Glasses may not be as effective if you wear them or you may need to update your prescription.

Cataracts are not painful and don’t irritate your eyes or make them red

Treatment

Your first step is to book an eye test to diagnose if you have a cataract or alternative condition causing your symptoms.

• If a cataract is diagnosed you may simply need to update your spectacles.
• if the vision gets to a point when spectacles are no longer able to give adequate vision your optometrist will refer you to see an ophthalmologist at the hospital for further examination.
• Your ophthalmologist may offer you surgery to remove the cataract.  This is normally done under local anaesthetic avoiding the need for a stay in hospital.