CATARACTS

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye, rather like a smudge on the lens of a camera, that can make everything you see less sharp. Initially cataracts don't cause a problem with your vision, but distinguishing shadows and contours gradually becomes more difficult & sometimes colours become less vivid, rather like turning the contrast on the television right down.

One of the causes of cataracts is damage done by the ultraviolet rays in sunlight. The lenses we use in your glasses can be treated to cut out all of these harmful rays.

Using a slit lamp (special microscope for examining the front of the eye), our optometrist will be able to diagnose whether you have a cataract and, if you have, will be able to monitor if it is getting any worse. If the cataract is affecting your vision you may need simple day surgery to remove the cloudy lens from your eye, replacing it with a fresh clear one. Our optometrists are trained to give a direct cataract referral to the ophthalmologist at the local hospital. This means you get to see the right specialist and get the treatment you need much more quickly.

• Slit Lamp
  
• Pupil Dilation
  
• Contrast Sensitivity Test