Cataracts and Eye Floaters

A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. They are treated by removing this cloudy lens through surgery. Most people will start to develop cataracts if they live long enough. By the age of 80 almost everybody will have some sign of cataract formation.

But cataracts are not limited to the elderly. They can appear in younger people and some babies are even born with them. Factors that increase the possibility of early-forming cataracts include long and unprotected exposure to UV sunlight, smoking, diabetes, eye injuries, radiation and longstanding use of corticosteroid medication.

The good news is we are lucky to be living in a country like Australia, where no one has to suffer the debilitating effects and disadvantages of cataracts. In developing countries cataracts are still the leading cause of blindness.

How are cataracts diagnosed?

It is important to get your eyes checked regularly. Cataracts can usually be diagnosed by an optometrist during an eye examination.

During a routine eye examination, the optometrist will check your vision and the health of your eyes. This includes using a special microscope called a slit lamp to look at the inside of your eye for any signs of cataract. Based on all information gathered throughout the consultation, the optometrist will let you know if you have cataracts and what the next steps are. If the cataracts are affecting your vision significantly, they will refer you to an ophthalmologist (a specialist eye doctor) to consider further investigation and possibly surgery.

Advantages of cataract surgery

Replacing the cloudy lens with a clear transparent lens will allow more light to pass through the eye, resulting in clearer and brighter vision. Specialists can also incorporate part of your spectacle prescription which can correct your vision and reduce your reliance on glasses. The cost of cataract surgery varies depending on the surgeon, the type of lens used and individual circumstances. Two of the biggest factors determining how much your procedure will cost are whether or not you have private hospital cover, and if you choose to have the procedure at a public or private hospital. If you don’t have private hospital cover, you can expect to wait between six and 18 months for cataract surgery in a public hospital.

Eye floaters

Have you ever noticed a small spot in your field of vision that disappears when you go to look at it? These are called eye floaters. They can come in different shapes and sizes. Some look like small dots, while others appear like threads or cobwebs. These specks are debris that float around in the vitreous humour (the clear, jelly-like substance inside the eyeball) which often develops due to age-related changes to the vitreous. They are suspended in this ‘jelly’, so they move when your eyeball moves. The shadows of these specks are what you see.

Generally, eye floaters don’t appear until after the age of 50 and long-standing eye floaters are harmless. However, sometimes a sudden onset or increase in floaters (sometimes accompanied with flashes of light) can be an indication of a more serious condition – retinal detachment. It is important to contact your optometrist immediately if you notice new floaters, flashing lights or both. Your optometrist will dilate your pupils to assess your eye health and refer you to an ophthalmologist (eye specialist) if required.

Most of the time we take our eyesight for granted. But illness, injury and ageing can all affect your eyesight. In Australia more than 450,000 people are living with vision impairment or blindness. It’s important to keep your eyes healthy and have regular check-ups.