HOW TO BE HEALTHY 50+ AT

Dr Philippa Kaye talks about cataracts – why they develop and how they are treated…

Maisie had worn glasses for years, she had been shor t sighted since a teenager and also star ted wearing varifocal lenses. Recently, her eyesight deteriorated and she assumed she needed new glasses, but hadn’t got round to making an appointment with an optometrist when lockdown happened. Maisie waited until they reopened then had a phone appointment with me as the optometrist told her they were concerned about cataracts.

Cataracts are generally related to increasing age (though other types exist) and is when the lens of the eye develops areas which become cloudy. Age related cataracts are common in the UK, with about 1 in 3 adults over the age of 65 af fected.

Cataracts can occur in one eye or both and it can take years for the cataracts and symptoms to develop. Doctors don’t always know whey cataracts develop but having various conditions can increase your chances of developing cataracts, for example diabetes, high blood pressure or smoking.

You may have cataracts but have no symptoms at all, especially in early stages. Many people have their cataracts diagnosed during a routine eye check. Symptoms generally star t with your vision being a bit to read a standard license plate from 20 metres away, and visual acuity be at least 6/12 with both eyes open. If you are not sure then please speak to your optician. If you do not meet the vision requirements then you are required by law to inform the DVLA.