Cataract
A cataract is a ‘clouding’ of the natural lens that focuses light inside the eye. Although the exact mechanism by which cataracts develop is not understood, some of the factors strongly associated with cataracts include the following.
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Age:
the older you become, the more likely it is that you will develop a cataract. In fact, some degree of cataract is found in most patients over the age of 70 or 80, and it is not uncommon to find an early cataract in patients in their 50s and 60s. Cataracts can also occur at birth.
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Sunlight exposure (UVB):
there is a relationship between the amount of UVB exposure during your lifetime and the later development of cataracts.
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Other:
the use of certain medications (including eye drops) — such as steroids — can cause cataracts. In countries where malnutrition and general gastrointestinal disease are common, these bear a relationship with the development of cataracts.
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Cataract associated with drugs and toxic substance. |
Cataracts in adults progressively block out vision, but hardly ever cause damage inside the eye. Whatever vision is going to return with removal of the cataract will likely remain the same unless some new disease develops in the eye. In children, cataracts can affect the future development of vision and urgent consultation with an ophthalmologist (eye specialist) is recommended.
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Congenital cataract, before operation. |
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After operation to remove cataract. |
Removal of a cataract by modern techniques is a very effective procedure for restoration of vision. Many surgical techniques are available, and insertion of an artificial lens is now the norm. Most modern techniques of cataract surgery utilise small, self-sealing wounds; stitches may occasionally be required.
It is important to remember that like any operation, cataract surgery does have a small risk of complications and problems. Therefore like any other surgery, it is not to be taken lightly. The time to remove a cataract is when it is interfering with quality of life: the patient is no longer able to function as they would like to. Accordingly, the decision for surgery is usually made by the patient in consultation with their ophthalmologist.
Last Reviewed: 16 January 2008
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