What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. The lens of the eye is made of protein, is located directly behind the pupil, and aids in focussing light on the retina. Although there are many causes of cataracts, including injury, inflammation, certain medications (such as steroids) and some systemic diseases, by far the most common cause of cataract formation is the aging process. There is currently no known method of restoring clarity to a clouded lens. Once the lens has clouded sufficiently to impair vision, the only treatment is surgical removal of the cataract.

Place cursor over image.

Cataract surgery is almost never an 'emergency'. However, because of the high safety and success rate of the surgery, it is generally recommended that surgery be performed as soon as the vision decreases to the point where it impacts on the patient's ability to function. When reading, driving or seeing clearly in glare or low-light conditions become difficult, it may be time to have the cataract removed.