Cataracts

Cataracts

A cataract is a cloudiness that affects the lens of the eye. The normally crystal clear pupil of the eye becomes grey and milky, as changes in the protein of the lens develop, due to ageing.

Cataracts are common in the elderly, with over 90% of the `over 65s' having some degree of cataract formation. The pupil is initially clear and translucent, and because a cataract grows slowly, often from the outer edge inwards, the deterioration in vision in the early stages may not be noticed by the patient.

Symptoms

Cataracts are painless, but cause progressive blurring of vision, deterioration of colour appreciation and usually affect both eyes, but to different degrees.

An interesting side effect of having cataracts is that you become short sighted, so that if you were previously long sighted you find that you can read without using your reading glasses! Eventually the clarity of vision worsens, but very rarely does it result in complete blindness.

Causes

Congenital

Cataracts can be congenital, that is, present at birth. These are usually due to the pregnant mother becoming infected with Rubella (German Measles), or Toxoplasmosis, a condition which can be caught from cats' faeces (pregnant mums should wear rubber gloves when emptying the cat litter tray and when gardening!. Babies with Down's Syndrome are more prone to congenital cataracts.

Medical conditions

Certain medical conditions are associated with a greater risk of developing cataracts, such as diabetes and hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). The long term use of steroids in eye drops or tablet form have also been found to cause cataracts.

Eye Injury

External causes such as injuries to the eye, where the lens is lacerated or perforated can quickly lead to cataract formation, sometimes within a few days! Long term exposure to radiation such as X rays, infra red and ultraviolet rays increase the chances of cataracts developing.

Ageing

Most cataracts result from the ageing process and only a small percentage of these will require surgical treatment, because of their slow progress.

Treatment

The most popular way to cure a cataract is to remove the opaque interior of the diseased lens and replace it with a new plastic lens. In most cases this operation gives excellent and dramatic results, and is usually performed under a general anaesthetic. However, as many patients are elderly and not a good risk for a general anaesthetic, the operation is then performed under a local anaesthetic, with the patient wide awake but feeling no pain.

Most patients are discharged early, one day after their operation, without any dressings on the eye! They are asked to lead a quiet life for about 10 days, and at 6 weeks have their eyes tested.

Babies with cataracts must have them removed within the first few weeks of life, and their vision is restored by using `continuous wear' soft contact lenses for life.

Researchers in the USA have confirmed that eating plenty of green and yellow vegetables and fruit, reduces the risk of severe cataracts. Spinach, in particular, seemed to offer the best protection!! In Oxford,current research is looking at whether taking of daily doses of vitamins E, C and A can stop the worsening of cataracts that are already present!
IMPORTANT NOTICE : This content is from the Dr Chris Steele personal archive and is provided for convenience only. Information contained here may no longer agree with the most up to date medical advice. Please check with a medical professional before taking any action.

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