A cataract is the clouding of the lens of the eye which is normally clear. It is like the lens of a camera or the mirror in the bathroom becoming fogged up with steam. A cataract is not a film over the eye.
Symptoms and characteristics
Symptoms of cataracts can include (Better Health Channel 2007):
- blurring of vision
- glare or light sensitivity
- poor night vision
- decreased vision
- fading of colour perception
- needing a brighter light to read.
Statistics
Cataracts are more common as people age. The prevalence of cataract rises from about 2.5 per cent for people in their 40s to 99 per cent of people in their 90s (Better Health Channel 2007).
Workplace adjustments and solutions
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References
Better Health Channel 2007, Cataracts explained, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 2 March 2007, <http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Cataracts_explained?OpenDocument>.
MDA Internet 2005, Reed Group Ltd, Colorado, viewed 2 March 2007, <http://www.mdainternet.com (secure site)>.
Vision Australia 2007, Blindness and low vision services, Vision Australia, Sydney, viewed 2 March 2007, <http://www.visionaustralia.org.au>.