Cataracts

The most common age related eye condition people are likely to experience is Cataracts. Cataracts are an opacity within the lens of the eye. There are numerous types of Cataracts which can develop at different ages and for different reasons. 

Nuclear Sclerosis

This is the most common type of Cataract. Characterized by a yellowing of the lens within the eye. Nuclear Sclerosis develops with age with most people over 70 years of age developing some degree of Nuclear Sclerosis. The development of Nuclear Sclerosis forms due to the accumulation of by-products within the lens. These Cataracts develop quite slowly and often take more than 10 years to require surgery to remove them. 

Cortical Cataracts

Less common than Nuclear Sclerosis, Cortical Cataracts also develop later in life. They are occur due to a splitting between the fibres within the lens. This leads to the development of spoke opacities. These spoke opacities can have varying effects on vision including reduced vision, scattering of light, particularly affecting night driving.

Posterior Subcapsular Cataracts (PSCC)

These can often develop in younger people and can be attributed to medication such as long term steroids. Steroids which may be required to reduce inflammation for other health conditions can lead to PSCC. These Cataracts generally develop very quickly and can be more visually debilitating due to them appearing centrally along the visual axis within the lens.

Traumatic cataracts

These can develop at any age and occur after trauma to the head of eye area. The trauma disrupts the fibres within the lens leading to a fast developing Cataract. The splits normally occur centrally within the lens.

Management of Cataracts

Cataracts can be remove by a qualified Ophthalmologist during a day surgery procedure. During the surgery a small incision is placed at the edge of the Cornea at the front of the eye. The lens within the eye is then broken down and removed. An Intraocular lens (IOL) is then inserted into the lens cavity and hooked into place.

Surgery is normally performed when the Cataract affects vision or quality of life. Although the risks of surgery are minimal, there is still a risk of infection or possible blindness so the surgeons will assess the risk versus reward ratio before performing the surgery.