In all our eyes we have a lens. When we are young the lens is usually clear however as we age the lens becomes less and less clear. When the lens is no longer clear we call this lens a cataract. In essence, a cataract is our own lens having become hazy. Age is the usual cause for cataract formation, however, there are other less common causes that can precipitate cataract formation in younger people (e.g. trauma, inflammation in the eye etc.).
The treatment of cataracts is surgical and involves the replacement of the natural lens in the eye which has become hazy (cataract) with an artificial lens that is clear. Most of the time people will find an improvement in the visual acuity and also the clarity of their vision. This is usually performed under local anaesthesia and as a day-case procedure.
Steamboat Eye Clinic in Limerick specialise in Cataract treatments and if you would like to arrange an appointment, contact our Eye Clinic on 061 310379.