You may be surprised to learn that you will probably get cataracts later in your life!
Most eyes develop some degree of cataract by the late 70s. Some people will require cataract surgery well before then, and others never develop sufficient cataract to need surgery at all.
| What are cataracts?
Cataract is the term given to the internal lens of the eye (just inside the pupil into the hollow of the eye) when it becomes cloudy (instead of crystal clear). |
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| What is cataract surgery?
A cataract is surgically removed in a day-surgery procedure under local anaesthetic and sedation. The cataract surgeon takes the cloudy lens out of the eye, and replaces it with an implant lens. Generally the implant lens is selected so that after surgery, glasses are not needed for long distance vision. |
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Can I prevent cataracts?
Cataracts do seem to be part of the normal aging process of most eyes. However we do know that smokers are more likely to get cataracts at a younger age. People who spend a lot of time outdoors in the sun without eye-protection (sunglasses) will also usually have cataracts at a younger age. In addition to wearing sunglasses on brighter days, a healthy diet and good physical fitness may have a protective role.