If the lens inside your eye becomes cloudy it is known as a cataract. Cataracts usually occur over the age of sixty but can occur at any age – indeed it is possible to be born with cataracts (congenital cataract). Cataracts are thought to be caused by a number of things including excessive exposure to UV radiation found in sunlight, smoking and poor diet. Additionally they can be caused by other health problems such as diabetes.

Cataract causes a number of visual problems including blurred or cloudy vision, dazzle and glare from sunlight or bright lights, and it can affect your colour vision by making it appear "washed out". If you are told you have cataract following an eye exam do not be alarmed, it really is nothing to worry about as the vast majority can be successfully treated. If you notice any of these problems please book an eye examination as soon as possible as there may be a sign of other eye conditions and it always good to detect any condition as early as possible so that prompt treatment can be sought, or in the case of cataract, which is not urgent, you can be placed on a waiting list for treatment as early as possible.

Cataract is treated most effectively by removing the cloudy lens. It used to be the case that the eye specialist would wait until the cataract was "ripe" before carrying out the treatment, however these days it is carried out as soon as it begins to affect your quality of life. The operation is the most common performed in the UK and although all surgery carries a risk, it has superb rates of success compared to other types of operation generally. It is generally carried out under local anaesthetic on an outpatient basis and lasts as little as 20 minutes it is that simple. Once the cloudy lens has been removed through an opening so tiny it doesn't usually require stitches it replaced with a new clear plastic lens. The power of this lens is calculated so that you may not need glasses for distance, or need only a small prescription, though you will need glasses for reading. Sometimes if you are having cataracts removed from both eyes the eye specialist will set your prescription so that one eye is ok for distance and the other is OK for reading – this "monovision" solution sounds a little strange but it means you can get by for most things without glasses, though you still need glasses for concentrated or detailed tasks such as driving.