A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s normally clear lens and it occurs naturally with age. Over time, the cloudiness progressively blocks light rays from passing through the lens of the retina and results in blurred, faint or hazy vision, or in seeing colours as faded or yellowed.
Cataracts can occur in one or both eyes, at any age, and while cataract is most commonly diagnosed in people over 60, some babies are born with congenital cataracts. A cataract can also be related to other factors, such as trauma to the eye, steroid use or a prior eye infection.
At the Lions Eye Institute, our specialists diagnose cataract through a comprehensive eye examination, before discussing treatment options with the patient. While glasses might be helpful early in the development of cataract, most patients will require surgery to correct vision. Cataract surgery, which is the only effective way to remove a cataract, almost always results in significant improvement in vision with few complications.
Our ophthalmologists are highly experienced in cataract surgery, which is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures in the world.
Surgery is usually performed under local anaesthetic as a day procedure. It involves the implantation of an intraocular lens (IOL), which is an artificial lens to replace the eye’s natural lens, and these can be monofocal, extended depth of focus or multifocal.
At the Lions Eye Institute, our clinicians are leaders in their fields. All sub-specialty trained, they provide our patients with the best possible care, using state-of-the-art equipment to help patients achieve a better quality of life.
