CATARACT
A cataract is a milky clouding of the lens of the eye.
This condition makes it challenging to see objects and people,
especially at night while driving.
What are the symptoms of a cataract?
- Blurry vision
- Halos
- Fading colours
- Double vision in one eye
What are the causes of cataracts?
Cataracts usually occur due to age and sun exposure. The tissue of the eye lens breaks down and forms white clumps. Genetics, diabetes, chronic use of steroids and prior eye surgery or injury increases the risk of cataracts.
As we age, our eye lenses become thick and less transparent. As cataracts become worse, clouding progresses to a point whereby light cannot penetrate the lens. Our lens focuses light on the retinal membrane in our eye, which acts like the film in a camera. This entire visualisation process is disrupted because light cannot penetrate the eye lens.
How do you diagnose cataracts?
A slit-lamp examination help diagnose cataracts. Dr McClunan administers dilating eye drops for an ocular exam to look closely in the patient's eyes and check for cataracts. Through a slit lamp exam, Dr McClunan can see the internal structure of the eye under powerful magnification. The microscope lights up the patient's iris, cornea, and lens, allowing Dr McClunan to easily see the build-up of white tissue in the eye lens.
How do you treat cataracts?
Surgery is performed if the patient cannot see properly due to the severity of the cataract. If the patient struggles to see, read or drive, they have no other option but to undergo cataract surgery to improve their quality of life.
Dr McClunan carefully removes and replaces the cloudy lens with a new, clear artificial lens that stays in the eye lifelong. Surgery only takes ten minutes and is performed as a day case procedure which does not require hospital admission.
During surgery, a topical anaesthetic drop numbs the region around the cataract. After cataract removal, a new intraocular lens replaces the area where the cataract was removed. The entire procedure is usually painless and by day one, the patient should already have good vision. Depending on what type of intraocular lens the patient chooses, the patient may or may not need to wear spectacles again after surgery.
FAQ
Your Questions Answered
We have compile a list of some of our most frequently asked questions to give you more information on the conditions we treat and the procedures we perform.
TESTIMONIALS
What our Patients have to say
"There was never a shadow of doubt in my mind that I had chosen the right specialist. I can honestly say my eyesight can now be compared with that of a teenager. For those of you, regardless of your age, that need any sort of eye treatment, I have no hesitation in saying - look no further."
- John Wittstock, Cataract