Dr. Bryan Betty: Cataracts and what we can do about them - Saturday Morning with Jack Tame

Cataracts 

• Very common as get older.
• 400,000 thought to be living with cataracts
• Not treated can lead to blindness

How do we now we are getting cataracts? 

• Notice haziness in vision especially at night or bright light.
• May see halo’s around lights.
• Worsens vision becomes cloudy.
• Due to lens front of eye turning yellow or clumps protein. Reaction to UV light.

Who’s at risk? 

• Age biggest risk factor – unusual before 40.
• Rarely children and develop congenital cataracts.
• Some things worsen risk: Smoking, diabetes, increases exposure to UV light – working outside.
• Why UV sunglasses so important!

What can we do about it? 

• Surgery only long term  option!
• Short operation 45 minutes under local anaesthetic – your awake.
• Small cut in cornea (front of the eye) – lens removed and plastic one inserted. Can’t be rejected , can’t develop another one once done.
• Few days off work so as not to strain eyes.

How do we prevent? 

• Regular eye checks with optometrist.
• Protect eyes – wear sunglasses

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