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A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. It can be compared to a window that is frosted or yellowed. A cataract is an opacity that develops in the crystaline lens of the eye or in its envelope. Early on in the development of senile cataract, the power of the crystaline lens may be increased, causing myopia, and the gradual yellowing and opacification of the lens may reduce the perception of blue colours. Cataracts typically progress slowly to cause vision loss and are potentially blinding if untreated.

There are many misconceptions about cataract. Cataract is not a film over the eye, caused by overusing the eyes, spread from one eye to the other or a cause of irreversible blindness.

a painless blurring of vision;
glare, or light sensitivity;
poor night vision;
double vision in one eye;
needing brighter light to read;
fading or yellowing of colours.

The amount and pattern of cloudiness within the lens can vary. If the cloudiness is not near the center of the lens, you may not be aware that a cataract is present.

Cataracts develop from a variety of reasons, including long-term ultraviolet exposure, secondary effects of diseases such as diabetes, or simply due to advanced age; they are usually a result of denaturation of lens proteins. Genetic factors are often a cause of congenital cataracts and positive family history may also play a role in predisposing someone to cataracts at an earlier age, a phenomenon of "anticipation" in pre-senile cataracts.

Cataracts can also be produced by eye injury or physical trauma. A study among Icelandair pilots showed that commercial airline pilots are three times more likely to develop cataracts than people with non-flying jobs, which is thought to be caused by excessive exposure to radiation coming from outer space. Cataracts are also unusually common in persons exposed to infrared radiation, such as glassblowers, who suffer from "exfoliation syndrome". Exposure to microwave radiation can cause cataract, and some drugs can induce cataract development:

The most effective and common treatment is to surgically remove the cloudy lens. The cataractous lens is removed & replaced with an intraocular lens implant which remains permanently in the eye.

Cataract operations are usually performed using a local anaesthetic and the patient will be allowed to go home the same day. Recent improvements in intraocular technology now allow cataract patients to choose a multifocal lens to create a visual environment where they are less dependent on spectacles.


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	An Overview of the Eye Blepharitis Cataracts Dry Eye Syndrome Eye Allergies The Eye and Diabetes Eye Health in the Workplace Eye Injuries Floaters Glaucoma Lighting and the Eye Low Vision Macular Degeneration Presbyopia Pterygium Retinitis Pigmentosa *********** Contact Us	A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. It can be compared to a window that is frosted or yellowed. A cataract is an opacity that develops in the crystaline lens of the eye or in its envelope. Early on in the development of senile cataract, the power of the crystaline lens may be increased, causing myopia, and the gradual yellowing and opacification of the lens may reduce the perception of blue colours. Cataracts typically progress slowly to cause vision loss and are potentially blinding if untreated. There are many misconceptions about cataract. Cataract is not a film over the eye, caused by overusing the eyes, spread from one eye to the other or a cause of irreversible blindness. Common symptoms of cataract include: a painless blurring of vision; glare, or light sensitivity; poor night vision; double vision in one eye; needing brighter light to read; fading or yellowing of colours. The amount and pattern of cloudiness within the lens can vary. If the cloudiness is not near the center of the lens, you may not be aware that a cataract is present. Cataracts develop from a variety of reasons, including long-term ultraviolet exposure, secondary effects of diseases such as diabetes, or simply due to advanced age; they are usually a result of denaturation of lens proteins. Genetic factors are often a cause of congenital cataracts and positive family history may also play a role in predisposing someone to cataracts at an earlier age, a phenomenon of "anticipation" in pre-senile cataracts. Cataracts can also be produced by eye injury or physical trauma. A study among Icelandair pilots showed that commercial airline pilots are three times more likely to develop cataracts than people with non-flying jobs, which is thought to be caused by excessive exposure to radiation coming from outer space. Cataracts are also unusually common in persons exposed to infrared radiation, such as glassblowers, who suffer from "exfoliation syndrome". Exposure to microwave radiation can cause cataract, and some drugs can induce cataract development: The most effective and common treatment is to surgically remove the cloudy lens. The cataractous lens is removed & replaced with an intraocular lens implant which remains permanently in the eye. Cataract operations are usually performed using a local anaesthetic and the patient will be allowed to go home the same day. Recent improvements in intraocular technology now allow cataract patients to choose a multifocal lens to create a visual environment where they are less dependent on spectacles.



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