Your Sight Matters!

08th, Sep 2022

Experiencing Cloudy Vision? This could be a sign of Cataracts, but what exactly are Cataracts? We have various facts around Cataracts, alongside how they can be treated at Kingsbridge Private Hospital Sligo. Keep reading to find out more!

Did you know... Cataracts are the most common cause of blindness in the world?

Most people over 65 in the UK have a visually impairing cataract in one or both eyes.

In many cases, cataracts are age-related, usually appearing first when a person is in his or her 40’s or 50’s, but not affecting vision until after 60 years of age.

However, in other cases, cataracts may be related to eye trauma, long-term diabetes, corticosteroid medications or radiation treatments.

People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts and also to develop them at a younger age, particularly Cortical cataracts.

So what are the symptoms of Cataracts?

• Cloudy Vision

One of the most obvious signs of early-stage cataracts is the appearance of noticeable fuzzy spots in your field of vision. Usually starting out small, however over time they will develop and worsen, making daily activities harder than they were before.

• Difficulty Seeing at Night / Increased Light Sensitivity

Patients with early-stage cataracts also report gradual worsening of night-time vision. During the day patients may also find discomfort with bright lights. 

• Appearance of Halos and Glare

As the eye lens hardens and becomes cloudy, cataracts sufferers may notice the appearance of halos and glare in their field of vision.

• Eye Examination Results

In the earliest stages of cataracts, a person may have difficulty noticing changes to their vision. That’s why regular eye examinations are strongly recommended for older adults. Ophthalmologists can detect the presence of cataracts before sufferers report any noticeable vision problems.

Can we slow down the progression of Cataracts?

Cataracts do not always develop quickly, which will give you time to consider different options of treatment. However, there are several things you can do to help slow down the progression of cataracts such as:

• Eating a healthy diet full of leafy greens, nuts and foods rich in omega 3.
• Protecting your eyes when outdoors by wearing sunglasses or hats.
• Make sure to attend regular eye appointments to monitor any cataracts.

What treatments are available for Cataracts?

The only treatment that will target the cataract itself is surgery. Options such as stronger glasses or using a reading light may bring symptomatic improvement in the early stages of a cataract but this improvement is unlikely to last.

At Kingsbridge Private Hospital Sligo we ensure you are in the best care possible. Our surgeon will explain how to prepare for your operation before the procedure.
 
Our Consultant ophthalmologists will measure your eye and vision. These tests will help to decide which artificial lens will be best for you, so your vision is as good as possible after the surgery.
 
Cataract surgery is usually done as a day case. This means you can have the procedure and go home the same day.
 
The operation is usually done under a local anaesthesia. This completely blocks pain from the area around your eye and you will stay awake during the procedure. You may be given the local anaesthetic as eye drops or an injection. 

If you would like to book a consultation, please contact us on 071 916 2649 or by emailing sligoadmin@kingsbridgeprivatehospital.ie

For further information on Cataract Surgery, please click here

Sources: 
https://www.goodeyes.com/blog/early-signs-of-cataracts
https://www.edinburghclinic.com/blog/10-facts-about-cataracts/

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