Cataracts Cataracts are formed when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy (the usual lens is transparent).

Usually the transparent lens focuses incoming light onto the retina, which then travels to the brain via the optic nerve as an electrical signal. If the lens is cloudy (as in a cataract) however, the image focused on the retina will be blurry, not sharp. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS: -cloudy or blurry vision -double vision, or multiple images in one eye (though this may clear once cataract grows bigger!) -faded colors seen -glare i.e. luminous objects seem too bright -poor night vision TYPES: -secondary to another cause, e.g. eye surgery for another reason (e.g. glaucoma), steroid use on eye, smoking, diabetes. -trauma. This can even happen years after the trauma has occurred. -congenital cataracts -radiation cataracts. CAUSES/RISK FACTORS: -old age. The lens is mostly made of water and protein, the latter which is arranged in a precise way so that light can pass through. But as we age the proteins can clump together and cloud a small area of the lens, forming cataracts. -smoking. -diabetes. -family history -prolonged exposure to sunlight.

-previous eye trauma. DETECTION -visual acuity testing using Snellen chart. -dilated eye exam i.e. after pupillary dilation, ophthalmoscopy is performed, looking at the fundus and the optic nerve. These should be NORMAL if the cataract is a significant cause of the visual loss. -tonometry. Measures intra-ocular pressure, which should also be normal if cataracts are the cause of the vision loss (maybe elevated if associated glaucoma) -slit lamp examination. Should be able to see the cataract TREATMENT EARLY treatment consists of changing glasses (or using anti-glare glasses) or using brighter lightening. If this doesnt help, surgery to remove the cataract and insert another (artificial) lens is the only option. Indications for surgery: -the cataract poses a problem for day-to-day activities e.g. driving -the cataract makes monitoring other eye problems (e.g. diabetic retinopathy) harder SURGICAL OPTIONS There are two types of surgery. It is about 90% effective. Beforehand it is necessary to do some tests to measure the shape of the cornea and size/shape of the eye, to fit the right type of artificial lens. 1. Phacoemulsification here an incision is made in the cornea and a tiny probe is inserted which emits ultrasound waves to soften and break up the lens. The lens is then removed by suction. 2. Extracapsular surgery. Here a larger incision is made on the side of the cornea to remove the cataract in one piece, with the rest of the lens removed by suction. After the removal an artificial lens is placed inside the eye, called an intra-ocular lens (IOL). This is a clear plastic lens that doesnt require any special care. Some people cannot have this lens however because of other eye conditions- they will require a soft contact lens or high magnification glasses. Risks of surgeryThere is a slight risk of retina detachment, increased by other eye conditions e.g. myopia. Suspect if you see flashes or floating particles in your vision. Post surgery you may be asked to use eyedrops to aid in healing and prevent infection, and will be asked to wear an eye shield or glasses. Initially the vision may be blurry which will correct over time.