Putting Patients First
CATARACT
What is Cataract?
A cataract describes an ageing process within the lens of the eye that causes it to become more cloudy and it’s similar to looking through a fog which makes it harder to focus. When you are young, the lens is clear, but as you get older, the lens becomes more and more opaque. Most people develop cataract in both eyes in their 50s and progress slowly until vision is reduced.
A cataract begins yellowish in colour, then turns brown, and then eventually goes white. As it does so, it impairs the amount of light that allows for clear vision. Removing the cataract, and replacing the lens allows you to see more light and enables you to focus clearly again.
What are the Symptoms of Cataract?
At first you are likely to be symptom free but gradually symptoms develop such as:
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blurred/misty vision
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seeing patchy blurs
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being dazzled by light particularly at night
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multiple changes in glasses prescriptions at close intervals
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fading in colour vision
What are the Causes of Cataract?
Cataracts are extremely common – in fact we all know friends and relatives who have had them treated. The average age for cataract surgery in Australia in in the mid 60s.
The most common cause of cataracts is age-related degeneration of the lens in the eye. Cataracts can develop in the nucleus of the lens, the edge of lens and the centre of the lens. The location of cataract affects the speed of onset of symptoms and the type of symptoms experienced. Over time, cataract will progress and vision will be lost.
There are many risk factors for developing cataract. Just some of these are listed below:
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Smoking.
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Uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, the Uvea).
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More common in women.
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Steroid medication.
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Injury to the eye.
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Ultraviolet light exposure.
When do Cataracts need to be Treated?
Once a patient is symptomatic of cataract, usually due to a decline in vision, treatment can be offered.
Unfortunately, drops, medication and vitamins can't yet prevent or correct cataract.
Cataract surgery is one of the commonest operations performed today in the Australia, and excellent outcomes are the norm. Surgery is conducted in modern day surgery settings, using local anaesthetic. Patients are able to go home within an hour of surgery and recover rapidly in the comfort of their own home.
Dr Dubey is an experienced cataract surgeon using the latest techniques including laser assisted cataract surgery. He will work with you to identify the best technique and outcome based on your lifestyle and eye health.
Once the cataract is removed, an artificial folding silicone lens is inserted into the eye. Once inside the eye, the artificial lens unfolds. As it is clear, the light entering the eye can now focus clearly on the retina. The new lens does not need replacing.
Each lens is customised for individual person, and we will work together to work out the best lens for you.
If reading without glasses is important, patients can choose to have a multifocal lens implanted. These premium lenses are designed to provide visual improvement for reading and distance, and many patients are spectacle free.