A cataract is clouding in the normally clear lens in the front of the eye. Cataracts are caused by a chemical change of unknown origin in the cells of the lens of the eye, and causes blurred or distorted vision. They cannot be prevented from forming, but early detection through regular eye exams can help maintain the clearest vision possible.

People at risk of developing cataracts are usually over 55 years old, but they may occur earlier if the patient has had an eye injury or disease, has a family history of cataracts, smokes cigarettes or uses certain medications. There is no pain associated with the condition, but there are several symptoms that indicate failing vision due to cataracts. These include:

* Blurred/hazy vision
* Spots in front of the eye(s)
* Sensitivity to glare
* A feeling of “film” over the eye(s)
* A temporary improvement in near vision

Normal vision		Vision through eye with cataract

Cataract surgery is probably the most common operation performed in the world. During cataract surgery, which is done through a small incision (2-2.8mm), the cataractous lens is removed by a micro-ultrasound probe and micro surgical instruments and replaced with an artificial one called an intraocular lens or IOL. The artificial implant is made from plastic (perpex, acrylic or silicon-plastic) and have been implanted since the late 1940s. Some of our consultant surgeons specialise in the surgery of cataract and implantation of specialist intra-ocular lenses including accommodative and toric lenses.

Accommodative lenses work naturally with muscles in the eye to retain to some degree of the eyes' ability to focus on nearby and distant objects and everything in between. With traditional IOLs, patients lose this ability after cataract surgery and often require corrective measures such as glasses or contact lenses.

Toric IOLs are specially designed for patients with astigmatism. Traditionally, surgical correction of astigmatism required making a series of small incisions (called LRIs) around the cornea to make it more spherical instead of football-shaped. Implanting toric IOLs often improves vision due to astigmatism without the need for these extra incisions, and also allows patients to enjoy a faster, more comfortable recovery.