by Linksfield Optometrist
One of the most common age-related eye conditions is the development of cataracts. You may have heard the term, but do you truly understand what they are and, more importantly, how they can be treated to restore clear vision?
Here, we shed some light on the subject…
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What exactly is a cataract?
Imagine looking through a clear, perfectly clean window. That’s how your eye’s natural lens should function – transparent, allowing light to pass through unobstructed to the retina at the back of your eye. This lens is responsible for focusing light, helping you see clearly at various distances.
A cataract occurs when this normally clear lens begins to become cloudy or opaque. Think of that perfectly clean window gradually becoming frosted or smeared, making everything you look at appear blurry, hazy or less vibrant. This clouding is caused by the breakdown of proteins within the lens, which then clump together.
While cataracts can sometimes develop earlier due to factors like injury, certain medications or other eye conditions, they are most commonly a natural part of the ageing process.
Common symptoms of cataracts
The symptoms of cataracts typically develop slowly and painlessly over time. You might not even notice them in the early stages. However, as the cataract progresses, you may experience:
• Cloudy, blurry or dim vision – This is often the most noticeable symptom.
• Increasing difficulty with night vision – Driving at night can become particularly challenging due to glare from headlights.
• Sensitivity to light and glare – Bright lights, especially from the sun or lamps, can cause discomfort.
• Seeing ‘halos’ around lights – Rings or circles of light may appear around light sources.
• Fading or yellowing of colours – Colours may seem duller or less vibrant than they used to.
• Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions – Your vision may seem to worsen quickly.
• Double vision in one eye – Although less common, this can occur.
It’s important to remember that these symptoms can sometimes be indicative of other eye conditions, which is why a comprehensive eye examination is so crucial.
How are cataracts treated?
In their very early stages, when a cataract is small and causing minimal vision problems, lifestyle adjustments might be enough. This could include using brighter lighting for reading, wearing anti-glare glasses or updating your prescription.
However, once a cataract significantly impairs your vision and impacts your daily life, surgery is the only effective treatment. Thankfully, cataract surgery is one of the safest and most common surgical procedures performed worldwide, with a very high success rate.
Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with a clear, artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can go home the same day.
Here’s a simplified look at the process:
• Numbing the eye: Your eye will be numbed with drops or an injection, so you won’t feel any pain.
• Small incision: A tiny incision is made in the eye.
• Lens removal: The surgeon uses a small instrument to break up and gently suction out the cloudy lens.
• IOL insertion: A new, clear artificial lens is inserted through the same tiny incision and positioned correctly.
The procedure usually takes only about 15-30 minutes and recovery is generally quick. Most patients experience significantly improved vision within a few days to weeks.
When should you consider treatment?
The decision to treat a cataract is a personal one, made in consultation with your optometrist and, if surgery is recommended, an ophthalmologist (eye surgeon). It generally comes down to how much the cataract is affecting your quality of life. If you are struggling with daily activities like driving, reading, watching TV or enjoying hobbies because of your vision, it’s likely time to explore treatment options.
If you’re experiencing cataract symptoms, contact us on 011 264 0407 or WhatsApp 060 721 5659 so we can assess the health of your eyes, determine if cataracts are present and discuss the best course of action.
At Linksfield Optometrist, your clear vision is our priority!