Cataracts

Cataracts is caused by the clouding of the natural lens with the eyes. The lens is made up of proteins and water. The proteins in the lens exist in a certain arrangement in order to ensure that the lens is clear and allows light to pass through. 

Cataracts occur when the proteins in the lens of the eye clump and make a certain area of the lens cloudy. The clouding of the lenses increases over time and starts to affect vision considerably. Cataracts are often associated with aging, however there are other risk factors for cataracts. 

The risk factors include:

- Ultraviolet radiation

- Diabetes

- Hypertension

- Obesity

- Smoking

- Prolonged use of corticosteroid as well as statin medication

- Eye injury or inflammation

- Eye surgery

- Family history of cataracts

Your optometrist is able to detect cataracts during a routine eye test. Cataracts may be corrected with either glasses or surgery depending on the stage the cataracts is at..

Following the eye test, your optometrist will educate you about the condition and advise you on the best options available to you.