Cataracts are the most common condition in eyes that comes on with age. The lens becomes thicker and stiffer and appears yellow and cloudy. Eventually it may turn white, changing the colour of the pupil. A cataract may cause your vision to become fuzzy slowly over time and may also be the cause of disabling glare.

Once a cataract affects vision too much, you will need an operation to remove the lens.  This decision is usually made in consultation with an eye specialist. The operation is almost always done under local anaesthetic. Once the cataract has been removed an artificial lens is put in to replace it. The operation is relatively short in duration and an overnight stay in hospital is not required.  Post-operative care consists of eye drops and a check at 1-2 days then after 2-4 weeks.

 

It is preferable for you to be assessed by an optometrist who can provide detailed referral information about your eye health and if you meet criteria for publicly funded surgery you may be able to be booked directly for surgery.