What are cataracts?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens. This natural lens sits directly behind the iris and pupil. As we age, the proteins inside this lens naturally begin to clump together. This process gradually turns the lens from crystal clear to cloudy, which blocks or distorts the light entering your eye.
We often give the example of frying an egg. When we are young, the lens of the eye is just like an uncooked egg white, but as we age, the lens of the eye becomes more like a ‘cooked egg’ – where it is hard to see through. Initially, people blame their glasses and feel that if they could just clean their glasses, they would get clearer vision. But eventually, experiencing a cataract is described as trying to look through a permanently foggy or frosted window.
Causes and risk?
While aging is the primary trigger, risks increase with:
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Diabetes
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Smoking
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Prolonged sun exposure
We don’t really think of it as a genetic issue; it is an aging issue.
One eye or both eyes?
Cataracts can develop at different rates in each eye. Cataracts affect both eyes, but not quite at the same time.
There are usually a few months between one eye developing a cataract and the other eye. However, there are the odd cases of one eye getting a cataract much younger than the other eye.
What are the symptoms? How does it affect your vision?
Symptoms develop slowly and completely painlessly. They typically include:
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Blurry or hazy vision.
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Faded colour perception.
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Increased glare from headlights or the sun.
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Poor night vision.
One of the first questions optometrists ask is, “Do you feel like your driving vision is affected?” We all want to be safe on the road, and making sure that your vision is good for driving at night is important. Initially, cataracts really only affect things at night, when there is less light around, but also the glare of oncoming car headlights is an issue.
Initially, people blame their glasses and feel that if they could just clean their glasses, they would get clearer vision. But eventually, experiencing a cataract is described as trying to look through a permanently foggy or frosted window.
Why do cataracts affect your glasses prescription? Because it is the lens of the eye, you may also notice a frequent, sudden need to update your glasses prescription. As this lens changes in clarity, it also changes the power of the eye, meaning you need to upgrade your glasses more often.
Can it be treated or managed?
Fortunately, cataracts are highly treatable.
In early stages, brighter lighting and stronger lenses help manage symptoms. When vision loss interferes with daily activities like driving, a safe, routine cataract surgery replaces the cloudy lens with a clear artificial one, permanently restoring sharp vision.
We completely understand the nerves around getting cataract surgery done – we know it is your eye that it is being done to, and whilst it has been done many, many times before, it is your first time. It is important to discuss your feelings, so we can help guide you through the process.
How is it detected and diagnosed?
Cataracts can be identified during an eye examination by an optometrist, who can assess the clarity of your natural lens and how your vision is being affected.
If you notice blurry or hazy vision, increased glare, poor night vision, or frequent changes to your glasses prescription, book an eye examination with your optometrist to have your eyes checked and discuss the best way to manage your vision.
