Medical Questions » Eyes Questions » Question No. 346
| Question: | After having gradually worsening vision for several years, I saw my GP who said I had a cataract, and he has referred me to a specialist. The GP thinks I will need an operation. Is this the best treatment for a cataract? |
| Answer: | Behind the pupil in your eye is the lens. This is transparent and able to change its shape with the aid of tiny muscles attached to its edge. The change in shape enables it to focus on objects near and far.
A cataract is the clouding over of this lens. Once the vision has deteriorated sufficiently to cause significant sight impairment in both eyes, the worst eye will be operated upon, because this is the only way of treating a cataract. There are no medications or drops that will help.
The operation is technically difficult, but can be completed in half an hour and is often done under local anaesthetic. The cloudy lens is removed, and a new clear plastic lens is inserted. This new lens is not mobile, and cannot change shape, thus spectacles are normally required for close work, and sometimes distant vision as well.
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