Dr. Bryan Betty: Cataracts and what we can do about them

<p><strong>Cataracts</strong> </p> <ul style="list-style-type: circle;"> <li>Very common as get older.</li> <li>400,000 thought to be living with cataracts</li> <li>Not treated can lead to blindness</li> </ul> <p><strong>How do we now we are getting cataracts?</strong> </p> <ul style="list-style-type: disc;"> <li>Notice haziness in vision especially at night or bright light.</li> <li>May see halo’s around lights.</li> <li>Worsens vision becomes cloudy.</li> <li>Due to lens front of eye turning yellow or clumps protein. Reaction to UV light.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Who’s at risk?</strong> </p> <ul style="list-style-type: square;"> <li>Age biggest risk factor – unusual before 40.</li> <li>Rarely children and develop congenital cataracts.</li> <li>Some things worsen risk: Smoking, diabetes, increases exposure to UV light – working outside.</li> <li>Why UV sunglasses so important!</li> </ul> <p><strong>What can we do about it?</strong> </p> <ul> <li>Surgery only long term  option!</li> <li>Short operation 45 minutes under local anaesthetic – your awake.</li> <li>Small cut in cornea (front of the eye) – lens removed and plastic one inserted. Can’t be rejected , can’t develop another one once done.</li> <li>Few days off work so as not to strain eyes.</li> </ul> <p><strong>How do we prevent?</strong> </p> <ul> <li>Regular eye checks with optometrist.</li> <li>Protect eyes – wear sunglasses</li> </ul><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>