Dr. Arvind Varma is a practicing ophthalmologist who runs a clinic in Nerul, Navi Mumbai. Besides writing on common eye problems, Dr. Varma will also answer specific queries.

What is cataract and how is it formed?
Senile Cataract is the commonest form of Cataract and it is caused due to aging. The lens in our eye works actively to keep itself transparent, so that light can enter the eye. With age this process slows down. The lens then starts greying or becoming opaque and causes obstruction to the passage of light into the eye.

This greying of the lens or an opacity in the lens is called Cataract.

Cataract can also be Congenital (when a baby is born with Cataract). Injury to the eye may cause Traumatic Cataract.

Diabetes Mellitus may cause Cataract at an early age. Smoking and exposure to Ultra Violet rays are known to enhance Cataract formation. Some other diseases of the eye and medicines may also lead to Cataract formation.

What are the symptoms of Cataract?
Greying causes obstruction in the passage of light and one can't see clearly. Hence there is slowly progressive, painless loss of vision in the affected eye. Ultimately one can hardly see through the eye affected with Cataract.

What is the treatment for Cataract and is it possible to regain full vision after treatment?
The only treatment of cataract as on today is surgical removal of the Cataractous lens. No medicine has authentically been proved to prevent or alter its course. If there is no other problem in the eye, vision can be restored to pre-Cataract levels.

When should the Cataract be removed?
In earlier days, Cataract was allowed to mature in the eye for easy removal. Due to advancement in technology, this is not required any more and Cataract can be removed any time. A pilot will need removal much earlier than a table worker. Today the patient, rather than the doctor, can decide when he should get the Cataract removed.

How safe is the surgery and what will happen if Cataract is left untreated?
Cataract surgery is one of the safest surgeries being performed on human body. Complications do occur but are rare. If left untreated for a long time, Cataract may lead to some vision threatening complications.

Next fortnight read about the treatment of cataract.

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Other Articles By Dr. Arvind Varma

• An Eye On trouble
• An Eye On Your Glasses…
• Do You Have A Lazy Eye?
• Do You Have Computer Vision Syndrome?
• Does Your Child Need An Eye Checkup?
• Cataract Treatment
• How To Care For Your Eyes
• Should You Opt For Contact Lenses?
• Treatment For Glaucoma
• Understanding Glaucoma
• Your Eye & Diabetes Mellitus