Cataracts are caused when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. The cloudiness is actually protein that has clumped together and formed a cloud. Over time it begins to grow and as it does so eyesight starts to diminish. There are three different types of cataract. The first type is known as a nuclear cataract and this forms right at the very centre of the lens of the eye. A cortical cataract conversely begins at the outer edge of the lens and gradually widens and expands until it reaches the centre. People who suffer from diabetes are most likely to contract this type of cataract. The third type of cataract is called a subcapsular cataract and it starts at the back of the lens. Many people develop a cataract when they are in their 40s or 50s but are not aware of it as vision is not usually affected for a while. If left untreated then eyesight can rapidly start to decline as time goes on.

With a cataract that has formed in the centre of the lens often near vision actually improves for a period. This is sometimes referred to as second sight but is unfortunately only temporary. As the nuclear cataract continues to grow both near and far vision will deteriorate. Often it takes many years for the symptoms of a cataract to present themselves. When they do however they can come with a whole variety of problems. Cloudy or blurred vision is the most common problem associated with cataracts. As well as overall weaker eye sight, colours can seem faded and eyes can become sensitive to very bright lights such as car head lights or even lights in the home. Sometimes those with cataracts will see a halo appear around lights. Night vision in general can become very poor and even double vision can occur.

It is possible to help retain eyesight with the use of glasses or contact lenses, however because the cataract will continue to grow the glasses will need frequent upgrades to the lenses. This can mean plenty of trips to the opticians. People who suffer with cataracts often are unable to drive a car. With blurry vision or difficulty seeing at night, driving becomes impossible and dangerous. Anyone who is used to the freedom and independence of being able to drive finds this extremely frustrating. Reading a newspaper, book or even magazine can also become more of a problem in everyday life for someone with cataracts. The cloudiness of sight can mean viewing detail is impossible.

Over the course of its development a cataract can even alter the colour of the lens of the eye to a yellow brown colour. This makes everything appear yellow brown in colour. This is very unpleasant for the person suffering from this. Being unable to see things as they really are is a serious problem. The problem gets even worse however for cataract sufferers. Eventually even routine, everyday activities can become difficult. Sometimes the colours blue and purple are lost altogether and replaced with black. There is no doubt that living with a cataract is no fun at all. The good news is however that there is a way to cure the problem and prevent it from coming back. Refractive lens exchange offers a quick solution. If you are suffering from worsening eyesight or are seeing everything with a brown or yellow tint then there is help available.

Cataract surgery is available and it is safe, quick and the recovery period is very short. The best type of surgery for cataract is refractive lens exchange or RLE for short. During the procedure the lens of the eye is removed and replaced with an artificial alternative. Eyesight is instantly restored and becomes youthful again. Thousands of people have benefitted from this type of procedure. The symptoms of cataracts vary but they are all difficult to live with. Refractive lens exchange means no one has to suffer from cataracts again.



Kate Dawson writes articles for Clarivu, an advanced type of cataracts surgery for the removal of cataracts as well as the correction of myopia and presbyopia. The surgery for cataract operations take place inside various locations inside the UK, always by professional, experie