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Cataracts
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Some people develop cataracts in later life, so it's important
to understand what they are and how they can be treated.
A cataract is simply the name given to a cloudy condition of the lens in
your eye. As the lens becomes too cloudy, light cannot pass through it properly
and so your eye is less able to see clearly. It's a bit like looking through
a window which hasn't been cleaned for ages.
Because cataracts develop slowly, you are likely to experience a gradual
deterioration in your vision and may not even notice that anything is wrong
until they are well advanced. When fully developed, however, cataracts will
cause a significant loss of vision.
Cataracts and their treatment
Fortunately cataracts can be treated with a straightforward operation. An
eye surgeon will simply remove the cloudy lens, and will usually insert
an artificial replacement lens called an implant.
Although many cataracts never develop so much that they need
an operation, it is important to visit your optometrist regularly
so that your eyes can be checked for any cloudiness. Furthermore,
there is evidence to suggest that cataracts are made worse by
excessive UV light. So in the summer sunshine it's advisable
to protect your eyes with sunglasses
or spectacles containing a UV blocker in their lenses.
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