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This month, GP Alice Fitzgibbon covers a common eye problem – cataracts
Cataracts are a very common eye problem and a major cause of visual impairment and blindness across the world. The NHS recommends we should all have eye check-ups on a regular basis (every two years, or sooner if advised) in order to pick up any problems at an early stage. Many eye conditions can occur slowly with no obvious symptoms. However, any sudden visual changes, reduced vision, red or painful eyes should be treated as an emergency and seen by a trained specialist. Many independent and high street opticians can offer this service to assess people quickly and refer onwards if needed.
So, back to cataracts. What exactly are they and what does it mean if you have them?
Cataracts are a condition that affects the lens of the eye. The lens, which is normally transparent, helps light focus at the back of the eye on the retina. If light is well focused on the retina, then our vision is nice and clear. Cataracts are when the lens develops cloudy patches; in this case light cannot shine through the lens as well and so the “picture quality” or vision ends up being blurry or misty.
Many people will develop cataracts as part of getting older – most cases happen after the age of 65. But there are other factors that can increase the risk of developing them, including:
- Having a family history of cataracts
- Regularly drinking excessive alcohol
- Lifelong exposure of your eyes to UV light
- Smoking
- A poor diet lacking in vitamins
- Taking steroid medication over a long time
- Having had previous eye surgery
- Being obese
- Certain health conditions, such as diabetes
Some babies are born with cataracts. This is why an eye check at birth and at 6-8 weeks of age is part of the newborn baby checks.
As cataracts form over a long time, often years, having them detected at an early stage is important so they can be monitored along with any impact on vision which can worsen the cloudier the lens becomes. We’ve already mentioned blurred or misty vision as a symptom of cataracts but there are also other signs. Cataracts can cause people to experience difficulty with night vision, see haloes around lights, have sensitivity to glare, fading of colours, and double vision on one side. Needing to have brighter reading lights or frequent changes in the prescription for your glasses or contact lenses may also point to there being an issue with cataracts.
So, your eye exam has picked up cataracts. What next? If the symptoms are mild, ensuring you use bright lighting and have the correct glasses prescription may help. Your optometrist may refer you on to the hospital specialists for eyes (Ophthalmology) when, or if, treatment is required. The only treatment for cataracts is eye surgery. This is a very common, day case procedure that improves vision for most people.
It is usually offered when cataracts cause issues with vision that impact daily activities like driving or reading. Recovery time from the procedure is normally 2-6 weeks and it is very important to stick to the aftercare advice, as regular eye drops are required. Cataract surgery is the most common operation performed in the UK, with over 400,000 cases done per year in England alone. It is a procedure with a high success rate.
Having your eyes tested regularly is important. Not just in case you need glasses, but also because that check-up looks for other diseases or issues that may not have symptoms yet. During an eye test the pressures in the eyes are measured to check for glaucoma and the back of the eye is examined. This means the retina is looked at along with the end of the optic nerve.
Conditions that can cause abnormalities in the back of the eye include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, some cancers, macular degeneration and multiple sclerosis to name a few. This is why the eye check-up is really important as it could be a chance to pick up something you would otherwise be unaware of. So, if you are overdue then make your appointment today – keeping your eyes healthy is a very sound investment!
For further information on cataracts for the NHS visit Age-related cataracts – NHS.
