What are cataracts?

Have you ever heard of someone you know having a cataract? To us optometrists, they are extremely common, so much so that we say that everyone gets one! This is because it is an age-related eye condition.

What Is a Cataract?

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.

I 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.

When Do Cataracts Usually Start?

Cataract usually starts to cause issues with your vision in your early 70s. Worldwide, it is the number one cause of blindness, which is a really sad fact given there are surgical solutions.

Cataracts always 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. But there are the odd cases of one eye getting a cataract much younger than the other eye.  Given that it affects both eyes, some people are actually choosing to get both operated on the same day.  This saves recovery time and means you only need to face one day of operating – but there is no wrong answer; you can have them both separately if you would like.

What Are the Symptoms of a Cataract?

Symptoms develop slowly and completely painlessly. They typically include blurry or hazy vision, faded color perception, increased glare from headlights or the sun, and 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 also an issue.

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.

What Causes Cataracts?

While aging is the primary trigger, risks increase with diabetes, smoking, and prolonged sun exposure. We don’t really think of it as a genetic issue; it is an aging issue.

How Are Cataracts Treated?

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.

What About Cataract Surgery?

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

Are you unsure if you have cataracts? Or maybe you have a few more questions?

Call us on 09 489 4797 or book an appointment online with Milford Optometrists right here.