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Sun effect on cataracts

(18 Posts)
fluttERBY123 Tue 22-Sept-15 22:33:48

Found out today that my cataracts have got a bit worse - and was told for the first time that exposure to sunlight actually makes them worse.I wish i had been told ages ago as have never worn sunglasses.

Just wondered if this was generally known as I was talking to a friend with similar eye problems today and she did not know either. Getting new lenses that darken in sunlight and muck up flash photos.

M0nica Wed 23-Sept-15 07:57:16

There are a number of factors that can affect how likely one is to get cataracts.

I had cataracts diagnosed in both eyes - and removed in my early 60s. I was told that it was because I was ery short sighted and short sighted people are more likely to get cataracts, and get them younger.

I did know that exposure to sunlight made cataracts worse, but only a few years before mine developed. Fortunately I have always worn sunglasses as prolonged exposure to bright sunlight triggers my migraine.

janeainsworth Wed 23-Sept-15 09:19:27

I noticed that my eyes seemed to have become paler and I also had a cataract in one eye. My optician told me that all damage to eyes is caused by UV light. I invested in some good quality prescription sunglasses and wear them on all but the gloomiest days.
I was really pleased at my last eye check to be told my eyes hadn't changed at all over the year - for the first time since I started wearing glasses in my early 50s I didn't need my lenses changing.

Anniebach Wed 23-Sept-15 09:54:09

Had eye test this summer, was told I had cataracs and so avoid exposure yo sunlight , this should be advised before cataracs start surely

J52 Wed 23-Sept-15 10:25:06

My optician advises light reacting lenses, so that they protect the eye as the sun light strengthens.

At first I thought this was just to add to the cost, but went with them and would always have them now.

x

annodomini Wed 23-Sept-15 10:34:21

Three years ago, my optician told me I was unusual for my age (then 71) in having no cataracts. A year later, lo and behold, there was a cataract developing in my left eye. So far, it hasn't made any progress, so there's no need to do anything about it. I have always worn good sunglasses because I was told that blue eyes needed more protection than brown.

rosequartz Wed 23-Sept-15 10:46:03

Yes, I have heard that about sunlight and exposure to UV rays.
I don't like wearing sunglasses but I try to wear them when it is sunny,.
Yes, I have them starting according to the optician.

NfkDumpling Wed 23-Sept-15 10:57:46

I have react to light specs and have done for several years, ever since I took to varifocals. I was told several years ago I had the beginnings of cataracts in both eyes and I was told to wear sunglasses which I never had.

I'm long sighted and to start with I would just go out with sunglasses around my neck and reading glasses in my bag. Then the reading glasses moved to another piece of string around my neck. Then I had to wear specs for longer distance as my eyes deteriorated. Three pairs on different coloured specs strings getting in a tangle!

So I forked out for light sensitive varifocals and have never regretted it. Paying out for good frames pays off too. I've had these last ones for five years now and they're still going strong.

soontobe Wed 23-Sept-15 14:14:56

I was told two years ago, so promptly bought some prescription sunglasses, cost £70. Glad I did.

annodomini Wed 23-Sept-15 14:50:07

I believe I am right in thinking that the front windscreen of a modern car filters UV light which means that light-reactive glasses don't darken when you're driving. Which is why I prefer to have prescription sunglasses as it's very uncomfortable driving in bright sunlight, whether or not the UV is filtered out.

glassortwo Wed 23-Sept-15 19:52:38

I was 50 when I had my first cataract op, I lived in Singapore when I was a child and was told exposure to the sun hadnt helped, but we didnt use sun lotion let alone have sun glasses in the 60's. My other eye needs done but not yet. I do have blue eyes.

J52 Wed 23-Sept-15 20:17:44

I was also told this, Anno and also drive with prescription sun glasses. It does become rather costly, but I usually wait for the two pair offers!

X

merlotgran Wed 23-Sept-15 20:28:20

My mother had cateracts and then macular degeneration so I have worn reactorlight varifocals for years. I had an eye test earlier this year and was told my eyesight hadn't changed and was very good for my age - 68.

Fingers crossed!

annsixty Wed 23-Sept-15 20:40:35

I also have wet ADM just at the moment in one eye. I have an early cataract in the other eye. No-one has mentioned a problem with sunlight to me but after the eye injections I am given antibiotic drops for use for 5 days. The instructions on these state specifically " keep out of sunlight while using"I do feel not enough warnings are given as to any sunlight on the overall health of the eyes.

crun Wed 23-Sept-15 23:50:38

I've got a small congenital cataract in my left eye. According to the optician it's the reason for the poor vision in that eye, but my sight was perfect until I was in my 40s.

Elrel Wed 23-Sept-15 23:55:31

Had one done a few years ago, apparently second eye doesn't need doing. Transitional lenses seem to avoid any problems with the sun, they do leave me with light circles around my eyes after being out in the it however!

acanthus Tue 29-Sept-15 20:10:33

I was told at my last eye test that I had a cataract developing in one eye but it would be some time before I needed the op. I have noticed that my eyes are more sensitive when I've been indoors and then go outside, finding I have to re-focus, even without bright sunlight and the optician said it was because of the cataract.
I have always had prescription sunglasses and take advantage of the BOGOF offers to get them. However I was also given a 'golden ticket' for 50% of another pair so may well get some transitional lenses to save the bother of chopping and changing!

MamaCaz Tue 29-Sept-15 20:28:07

I was told last year that I had cataracts developing.
The optician did ask me if I was sensitive to bright sunlight (which I am), as apparently that is a symptom of cataracts, but he didn't say anything about sunlight causing them. In fact, he asked me if I'd had any bumps to the head in my younger days, as that is now thought to be a possible cause. That sounded very strange to me - don't we all get numerous bumps to the head over the years?