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CataractsPublished by Bupa's health information team, June 2008. This factsheet is for people who have cataracts or who would like information about them. A cataract is a painless clouding of the lens of the eye. You generally develop cataracts over a long period of time, leading to a gradual worsening of your eyesight. They can eventually lead to blindness if left untreated.
About cataractsCataracts are common in older people. About a third of people aged over 65 have cataracts in one or both eyes. In the UK, most cataracts develop as people get older. Your cataracts can usually be treated with surgery, but not all people need to have surgery provided that they don't significantly reduce vision. The eyeYour eye is a spherical structure that contains fluid. Near the front of your eye is the lens, which sits behind the iris - the coloured part of your eye. The lens helps you to see things in focus. It focuses light rays on to the back of the eyeball (retina), to form an image, which is then transmitted to your brain.
The lens is normally a clear structure which can change its shape to allow you to focus on near and distant objects. When the lens becomes cloudy it's called a cataract. Types of cataractThere are different types of cataract, some of which are due to rare diseases or as a result of local eye injuries or inflammation (for more information, see Causes). However, the two main types are:
This factsheet is about adult cataracts. Symptoms of cataractsIf you have a cataract, you may have no symptoms. Alternatively you may have one or more of the symptoms listed below.
Complications of cataractsIf left untreated cataracts may eventually lead to blindness. In the UK cataracts are normally diagnosed and treated before they reach this stage. Causes of cataractsCataracts are caused by changes in the lens protein of the eye, which makes them cloudy. There are certain factors that can increase your risk of getting cataracts. These include:
Diagnosis of cataractsA GP, an optician or an ophthalmologist (a doctor specialising in eye health) will look into your eyes with a special viewing instrument called an ophthalmoscope. A deterioration in your eyesight may be identified by eye tests using standard charts. It's quite common to be diagnosed with a cataract during a routine eye test without having any symptoms. Treatment of cataractsIf you have cataracts, you may find that your vision is still good enough for you to get along fine with glasses or contact lenses and that surgery isn't required. The time to consider treatment is if your vision has become noticeably worse, can't be corrected with a change in your prescription lenses and this is interfering with your everyday activities such as work and hobbies. Left untreated, your lens may eventually become very cloudy so that it's impossible to see any detail at all, although you will always be able to see some light. Self-helpWearing glasses may improve your vision if your cataract is in the early stages of development, but your cataract will probably get worse over time so this will only provide a temporary solution. There is no known way to prevent cataracts that develop as a result of getting older. MedicinesSo far, no medication or diet has been found to slow down the growth of cataracts, and there is no medication that can clear a clouded lens. SurgerySurgical removal of your cataract is the only way to restore or maintain your vision. This involves replacing your cloudy lens with an artificial one. The most common technique is called phacoemulsification. This is typically performed under local anaesthetic. This completely blocks the feeling from the eye area and you will stay awake during the operation. You will normally be allowed home the same day. For more information, see Related topics. Further information
Related topicsSources
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional. Publication date: June 2008
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