David Lowe Optometrist, Scottburgh

Cataracts are the leading cause of visual loss. They form in the natural lens of the eye behind the iris and pupil. The lens acts like a camera in the eye. It focuses light onto the retina. The lens is made up of water and protein. When the protein clumps together as a part of the ageing process, areas of cloudiness develop in the lens. As the process evolves the areas of cloudiness increase in size and the cataract enlarges. This causes a reduction in vision and may also cause glare either during the day or night.When your vision deteriorates to a point that it interferes with your daily activities, surgery is advised. Prior to this, spectacles, magnifiers and improved lighting may be used.t involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a plastic intraocular lens .