Cataract Awareness month

A cataract occurs when the lens inside your eye becomes cloudy.

Many people develop cataracts as they grow older, but some conditions, such as diabetes, or high myopia, increase the likelihood of cataracts developing. Eye trauma, and some medications, such as steroids, can also increase the risk of cataracts.

Cataracts can be removed by a surgical procedure in which the cloudy lens is replaced with an artificial lens made of plastic or silicone. The artificial lens should not need replacing.

Cataracts can be removed at any stage of their development, but the decision to proceed with surgery depends on whether the benefit from the operation outweighs the small risk attached to the surgery.

If you have another eye condition, cataract surgery may be possible, however the risk of complications might be increased. Such a concern could persuade your consultant to delay the operation to put off the slight risk from the surgery. However, such risks also need to be balanced against how much of your sight is being affected by cataracts.

If you, or someone you know is affected by cataracts, EYECAN may be able to help. If you are waiting for surgery but encountering sight problems, or unable to have the surgery, please get in touch. EYECAN can help you to achieve tasks you might otherwise find difficult or frustrating.