Commonly misconceived as a film growing over the eye, a cataract
is actually a cloudiness that forms in the lens. The cloudiness stops a
lot of the light entering the eye from passing through to the retina
and so reducing the clarity of vision. Cataracts can form as part of
the ageing process with increased exposure to UV light so it is very
important to wear a good pair of sunglasses and a brimmed hat
whenever outdoors to slow down the progression of cataracts. It
can also be caused through trauma and certain diseases.
Can it be reversed or removed?
Just like ageing, cataracts cannot be reversed but fortunately,
cataracts can be removed surgically and cataract surgery is the most
common operation performed in the world today. It is most
commonly performed under local anesthesia and normally does not
require overnight stay at the hospital/clinic. Improvement in vision
can often be noticed after just one or two days but generally takes up
to two to three weeks for the eye to recover fully after which new
glasses may need to be prescribed.
Can you prevent cataracts from developing?
There is no sure way to prevent cataracts but long-term expsoure to
UV (ultraviolet) light is believed to induce them. Wearing sunglasses
and a wide-brimmed hat in sunlight will decrease your exposure to
UV light.
