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front of the eye, then it passes through the lens, which helps to focus the rays onto the retina, the light-sensitive membrane at the back of the eye. Cataracts are cloudy areas that develop in the lens. They cause spots in the vision and result in you being unable to see as well or as before.
One-in-three people over 65 have cataracts to some degree. Symptoms start gradually and many people do not realise they have them until they are found at a routine eye check. However, as cloudiness of the lens increases, vision slowly becomes worse. In the past, medicinal-grade caster oil drops were sometimes used as a treatment for dry eyes but despite what you may have read or seen advertised, there is no good evidence that it has any effect on improving cataracts. Not only does it not work but even the highest-grade oil can irritate the eyes and cause inflammation. It is also very easy for the bottle to become contaminated, increasing the risk of eye infection.
The only effective treatment for cataracts is to have the lens surgically replaced. If your optician has suggested you have cataracts that warrant treatment, see your GP for a referral.
If you have a health question for Dr Rosemary please write to her in confidence at The Northern & Shell Building, 10 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6EN or email health@express.co.uk
Dr Rosemary’s reply will appear in this column. She regrets that she cannot enter into personal correspondence and that, due to the volume of letters, she cannot reply to everyone. Find out more about Dr Rosemary at drrosemaryleonard.co.uk