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Dr. Aleksic’s Cataract Site
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Cataracts Explained

Cataracts are a dense, cloudy area that forms in the lens of the eye. Cataracts form when proteins in the eye clump together to interfere with the normal process of the lens sending clear images to the retina. This is because the retina works by converting light which is coming through the lens of the eye into very detailed signals. It then transmits these signals to the optic nerve and from there they are transported to the brain.

Can Cataracts Be Treated?

Yes Cataracts can be treated! An Ophthalmologist can perform a dilated eye exam to confirm that you do indeed have cataracts. Once this painless and quick Cataract Eye Test has been performed and the Cataracts located, Cataract Surgery will have to be performed. This is the only way to Properly Treat Cataracts, however the process that forms Cataracts can be slowed down by changing a number of lifestyle habits. These include:

 

  • Using brighter lights at home or work

  • Wearing sunglasses and a hat to block out the sun

  • By quitting smoking

  • By eat more dark, leafy greens such as spinach and kale

  • Through the use of magnifying lenses when reading

  • Using new prescribed glasses or contacts

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When Must I Have Cataract Surgery?

Cataract Surgery will be recommended by your Eye Doctor when the Cataracts start to interfere with everyday life. If you are no longer able to enjoy activities such as reading, driving, or watching TV then you need to consider Cataract Surgery. During this surgical procedure a highly trained Ophthalmologist such as Dr. Zoran Aleksić M.D (BGD), F.C.S (SA) Ophth removes the clouded lens and replaces it with a new, artificial intraocular lens, or IOL.

 

Please visit the Cataract Surgery page on the website of Dr. Zoran Aleksić to find out more.

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What are the Symptoms of Cataracts?

The most Common Symptoms of Cataracts include, but are not limited to, all of the following:

 

  • Blurry vision

  • Decreased night vision

  • Colours seem faded

  • You have an increased sensitivity to glare

  • Halos around lights

  • You can experience double vision in the affected eye

  • There will be a need to frequently change prescription glasses

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What are the Causes of Cataracts?

There are numerous causes of cataracts, which include:

 

  • Ultraviolet radiation

  • Long-term use of steroids

  • Side effects of certain types of medication

  • Diabetes

  • Eye trauma

  • Radiation therapy

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Are there Different Types of Cataracts?

Yes there are Different Types of Cataracts! In fact, Cataracts are classified according to where and how they develop in the eye.

 

Below is a list of some of the more Common Types of Cataracts:

 

Nuclear Cataracts 

These Types of Cataracts form in the middle of the lens and cause the nucleus of the eye to become yellow or even brown.

 

Cortical Cataracts

These are wedge-shaped Cataracts which form around the outside edges of the eye nucleus.

 

Posterior Capsular Cataracts

This is one of the fastest progressing forms of Cataracts and it affects the back of the eye lens.

 

Congenital Cataracts

These are Cataracts that are present at birth, or in some cases might even form during the first year of a baby’s life.

 

Secondary Cataracts

These are caused by either disease or medications, or in some cases both. Diseases that can cause Cataracts include glaucoma and diabetes, while the use of the steroid prednisone, as well as other medications, can in some cases lead to cataracts.

 

Traumatic Cataracts

As the name implies, these Types of Cataracts  form after an injury to the eye.

 

Radiation Cataracts

Radiation Cataracts are a side-effect of radiation treatment for cancer.

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