Transcript Cataracts - Norman Salmoni Opticians

CATARACTS
Everything you need to know
WHAT IS A CATARACT?



A cataract is a natural clouding of the lens in your eye.
The lens sits directly behind the pupil of your eye and therefore you have
to look through your lens to see out of your eye.
If the lens becomes cloudy then so does your vision.
HOW DO YOU GET A CATARACT?
A cataract is an ocular condition associated with
age.
 Not everyone will get a cataract.
 Rays of light from the sun are responsible for a
cataract forming.
 Rays must pass through the lens to reach the
retina. Not all of the light that enters the pupil
will reach the retina – some is absorbed by the
lens. Over time, even years, the amount of light
rays your lens will have absorbed will begin to
add up, making it cloudy instead of clear. This is
a cataract.

WHAT CAN BE DONE?
Your optometrist will monitor your cataract
regularly and will consult with you on how you
are finding day to day life with your cataract.
 If your optometrist thinks your cataract is well
advanced they will refer you to have it removed,
only if you are happy to do so.
 An ophthalmologist will remove your cloudy lens
in a simple routine 20 minute day surgery, and
replace it with a brand new plastic lens.
 You can go home the same day!

WHAT HAPPENS AFTERWARDS?
Six weeks after your cataract is removed, you will
be asked to see your optician for a check up.
 Your optometrist will ask you how everything is
now and how you found your surgery.
 Your vision will now be crystal clear!
 Many patients find they do not need as high a
prescription in their glasses to see once they have
had their lens replaced. This is because it was
your lens within your eye which was mostly
responsible for you needing glasses to see clearly.
 Therefore, it is important to have this checked
and your glasses altered accordingly.
