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Cataracts
The question is often asked as to what causes a cataract. It would be more helpful to turn this query around: Why do we not all have cataracts at a young age?
A cataract is an opacity of the lens of the eye. The lens has a core of tissue, which is not renewed throughout life. This is unlike the skin, from which it is derived during foetal development. It is a triumph of physiology that the unchanging core lens does not cloud early in life. Younger cells grow around the lens continuously, enlarging it.
Not every cataract is visually significant. In Australia, the symptoms of cataract are usually those of blurry vision or glare sensitivity. In many countries such as Indonesia the cataract patient presents with a curable blindness.
The twentieth century provided dramatic improvement in the management and rehabilitation of cataract patients. With modern micro surgical techniques, a painless and brief operation in skilled hands can restore vision rapidly, with recovery measured in days. Complications are relatively rare; some are serious. Your surgeon will explain these and how significant they are in respect of you as an individual.
The cause of cataracts is being sought in research. Age, trauma, radiation and circulatory problems play a role. The biochemistry has yet to be elucidated.
Cataract scatters or obstructs light rays entering the eye |
A folding lens implant is injected through an incision about 3 mm wide |
