Cataract
What is a Cataract?
It is where the lens in the middle of the eye becomes cloudy, so it is difficult to see through. You may find things look cloudy or blurred, bright lights dazzle, or that objects appear double in the affected eye.
What is the lens?
The lens is inside the eye directly behind the coloured part, which is called the iris. Little muscles are attached to the lens, and by slightly altering its shape they help you focus on what you want to see.
What causes cataracts?
The most common cause is ageing, but occasionally the happen because of injury, or as a complication of other conditions or medication.
What can be done to help?
In the early stages of cataract, spectacles may help you to see clearly enough. When the vision has become poor and affects your every day life – such as driving, watching TV, or reading – then your optometrist will refer you to an eye specialist in the hospital, called an ophthalmologist. The time taken for a cataract to develop to this stage will vary between individuals, and may never reach this level.
What does the operation involve?
It is often carried out under local anaesthetic, and usually as a day-case procedure. The cloudy lens in the eye is removed and replaced with a clear lens made of special plastic. Afterwards the vision is usually much better, unless there are other reasons for your poor sight.
After the operation your spectacle prescription will have changed, and so you will need to return to see your optometrist for an updated prescription once you have finished the eye drops prescribed to you following the operation. Your ophthalmologist will advise you on this.
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Wrexham
LL13 8BT
Tel: 01978 316777
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- We are getting ready to welcome you back soonJune 14, 2020 - 2:08 pm
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Monday to Friday – 8.45am – 5.30pm
Saturday – 8.45am – 4.30pm