Cataract Surgery
2. Cortical cataract forms within the lens cortex which surrounds the central nucleus, with white wedge-like opacities which start on the periphery of the lens and work their way toward the centre in a spoke-like fashion. 3. Posterior Subcapsular cataract forms at the back of the lens and is more common in people with diabetes, shortsightedness and those taking steroid medication.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CATARACT?
Age-related cataract can begin to form around 40 to 50 years of age, which may manifest initially as less contrast sensitivity in dim light. By the age of 60, about half of all adults will have some early cataract formation, which may not be visually significant. By the age of 70, nearly everyone has some degree of cataract formation. The severity of cataract formation, assuming no other eye disease is present, is judged primarily by a visual acuity test. Cataract symptoms affect your quality of vision but some years may pass before a cataract interferes with your vision enough to seek treatment to improve your vision: • Blurred vision at distance or near (different types may affect distance greater than near or vice versa, see below) • Glare • Frequent change of spectacles • Coloured haloes around lights, especially noticeable when driving at night • Difficulty seeing in low light situations (including poor night vision) • Loss of ability to discern colours • Increasing near-sightedness or change in refractive status (including “second sight” phenomenon)
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