1. C ATARACTS Everything you need to know

2. W HAT IS A CATARACT ? A cataract is a natural clouding of the lens in your eye. The lens sits directly behind the pupil of your eye and therefore you have to look through your lens to see out of your eye. If the lens becomes cloudy then so does your vision.

3. H OW DO YOU GET A CATARACT ? A cataract is an ocular condition associated with age. Not everyone will get a cataract. Rays of light from the sun are responsible for a cataract forming. Rays must pass through the lens to reach the retina. Not all of the light that enters the pupil will reach the retina – some is absorbed by the lens. Over time, even years, the amount of light rays your lens will have absorbed will begin to add up, making it cloudy instead of clear. This is a cataract.

4. W HAT CAN BE DONE ? Your optometrist will monitor your cataract regularly and will consult with you on how you are finding day to day life with your cataract. If your optometrist thinks your cataract is well advanced they will refer you to have it removed, only if you are happy to do so. An ophthalmologist will remove your cloudy lens in a simple routine 20 minute day surgery, and replace it with a brand new plastic lens. You can go home the same day!

5. W HAT HAPPENS AFTERWARDS ? Six weeks after your cataract is removed, you will be asked to see your optician for a check up. Your optometrist will ask you how everything is now and how you found your surgery. Your vision will now be crystal clear! Many patients find they do not need as high a prescription in their glasses to see once they have had their lens replaced. This is because it was your lens within your eye which was mostly responsible for you needing glasses to see clearly. Therefore, it is important to have this checked and your glasses altered accordingly.