Cataracts

How cataracts develop

We often compare your eye vision with cataracts to a window that is fogged with steam. When the lens becomes cloudy, the light rays cannot easily pass through it, which means the image becomes blurred, and your functional vision is reduced. The amount and pattern of cloudiness within the lens of your eye can vary. If the cloudiness is not near the centre of the lens, you may not even be aware that a cataract is developing.

Cataracts develop as part of the body’s natural ageing process, usually once a person is over 40. You may also be affected if you have had long-term unprotected exposure to sunlight, or if there is a family history of cataracts. Medical issues, such as diabetes, or medication use, such as steroids, can also be a factor, as can a current or previous eye injury. The critical risk, however, is that your eyesight might fall below legal driving vision without you even being aware of it, which can present all sorts of dangers.

There are a few misconceptions about cataracts. A cataract is not a ‘film’ over the eye, it’s not caused by eye strain, and nor is it able to spread from one eye to the other. And it’s definitely not cancerous, nor will it cause irreversible blindness. Laser eye surgery does not cause cataracts to develop.

Low Stress Cataract® Surgery

Cataract surgery is a very common procedure, and is the only way to remove cataracts and restore vision. We can test your eyes for early signs of cataracts, with no obligation on your part. If there is a serious problem, our doctors – some of Australia’s most skilled eye surgeons – can perform Low Stress Cataract® Surgery.