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- Cloudy areas that form in the lens of the eye, causing vision to blur
- Not a growth but interferes with the light that enters the eye, resulting in poor vision
- Most cataracts are a result of ageing, due to the protein in their lenses becoming 'cloudy'
- Long-term exposure to ultraviolet light
- Traumatic injury
- Smoking
- Certain diseases, like diabetes
- Exposure to toxic materials and radiation
- Birth, if the baby's mother had rubella during pregnancy, or due to genetic defects
Cataracts usually develop slowly without any pain or noticeable change in vision. The most common symptoms include: - Blurred or hazy vision
- Spots before the eyes
- Double vision
- An increased sensitivity to glare
- Optometrists check to see if there are any changes in the lens of the eye
- Their specialised equipment enables them to see cataracts years before symptoms occur
- More common in people who are over 65
- Also affect people in their 40s and 50s
- There is no proven method of preventing cataracts
- Long-term exposure to ultraviolet light may induce cataracts, so a brimmed hat and protective sunglasses should be worn in sunlight
- Yes, taking from a few months to many years
- The clouded areas become larger and denser, making the vision blurrier
- They often affect both eyes but develop at different rates in each eye
- Cataracts can cause blindness. This can be prevented if they are detected early or removed surgically
- Cataract surgery is a relatively minor procedure, often performed under a local anaesthetic
- The patient attends a hospital for the surgery and may be able to go home the same day
- A plastic lens is inserted at the time of surgery, replacing your own cloudy lens
- It takes a little time for the eye to adjust to it, requiring some people to wear eyewear afterwards
- There are medical and hospital/day surgery charges for cataract surgery
- Specialist and operating theatre fees vary
- HCF does not charge excess for same day surgery if you have Hospital cover
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