Over time, this clouding makes everyday tasks like reading, driving, or recognising familiar faces more challenging. If you’re dealing with cataracts, you’re not alone — it’s one of the most common eye conditions worldwide.
The good news is that modern medicine offers effective treatments, allowing you to regain your vision and quality of life.
Let’s take an in-depth look at the causes, cataract symptoms, and treatment options, including cataract surgery, so that you can make well-informed decisions about your eye health.
Understanding cataracts
A cataract forms when proteins in the eye’s lens start to break down and clump together. This clouding prevents light from passing through the lens as clearly as it should, leading to blurry or distorted vision.
While cataracts are primarily associated with ageing, they can also occur due to other factors like trauma, genetic predisposition, or exposure to harmful UV rays.
Typically, cataracts develop slowly, meaning that at first, you might not notice any changes in your vision. However, as the cataract grows, it starts to interfere with your ability to see, particularly in low-light conditions or bright sunlight.
The causes of cataracts
Cataracts usually develop as part of the ageing process, with most people starting to experience cataract symptoms from their 60s onwards. However, age isn’t the only contributing factor. Let’s explore some of the key causes behind cataracts:
- Ageing: The natural ageing process is the most common cause of cataracts. Over time, the proteins in your eye’s lens begin to degrade, leading to the characteristic clouding.
- Genetics: If there’s a history of cataracts in your family, you may be at a higher risk of developing them at an earlier age.
- Ultraviolet (UV) exposure: Prolonged exposure to UV light from the sun can damage the lens, speeding up the formation of cataracts. This is why it’s essential to wear UV-protective sunglasses, even on cloudy days.
- Medical conditions: Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, can increase your risk of cataracts. In fact, diabetic patients are at a higher risk of developing cataracts earlier than non-diabetics due to high blood sugar levels that affect the lens.
- Eye injuries: Trauma or injury to the eye can trigger the development of cataracts, sometimes long after the initial injury has healed.
- Smoking and alcohol consumption: Both smoking and excessive alcohol use have been linked to an increased risk of cataracts. These habits create oxidative stress in the body, which can damage the eye’s delicate structures.
- Medications: Long-term use of corticosteroids, which are commonly prescribed for conditions like asthma, arthritis, or skin disorders, can increase your risk of cataracts.
Recognising cataract symptoms
Cataracts don’t develop overnight, and the symptoms tend to worsen gradually over time. It’s important to be aware of the common cataract symptoms so that you can seek help early on. In the beginning stages, you might not notice any changes, but as the cataract progresses, you may experience the following:
- Blurry or cloudy vision: One of the most common signs of cataracts is a gradual blurring of your vision, as if you’re looking through a foggy window. You might find it difficult to see clearly, especially in low light or at night.
- Sensitivity to light and glare: Cataracts often make your eyes more sensitive to bright lights, and you may notice increased glare from oncoming headlights when driving at night.
- Difficulty seeing at night: As cataracts grow, seeing in low-light situations becomes more challenging. This is often one of the first cataract symptoms people notice, particularly when driving.
- Faded or yellowed colours: Colours may appear less vivid than before. You might notice that everything looks washed out or has a yellowish tint.
- Double vision: Cataracts can sometimes cause double vision in one eye, which can be disorienting.
- Frequent changes in prescription: If you find yourself needing new glasses or contact lenses more often than usual, it could be a sign that cataracts are developing.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to have your eyes examined by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. They can assess the severity of the cataract and recommend the appropriate course of action.
Living with cataracts
Cataracts can affect many aspects of your daily life. Reading, driving, and even walking in unfamiliar places can become difficult when your vision is impaired. However, living with cataracts doesn’t mean you have to be resigned to poor vision. Here are a few ways you can adapt and maintain your independence while waiting for treatment:
- Improve lighting: Make sure your home is well-lit, especially in areas where you read, cook, or work. Non-glare lighting can make a significant difference in your ability to see clearly.
- Use magnifying tools: Magnifying glasses or reading aids can help you with close-up tasks like reading books, labels, or bills.
- Wear sunglasses: Cataracts make your eyes more sensitive to sunlight, so wearing high-quality sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays can reduce discomfort and protect your eyes from further damage.
- Visit your optician regularly: Regular check-ups with your optician are essential to monitor the progress of your cataracts. Your eye doctor can help you decide when it’s time for surgery.
Cataract surgery
When cataracts start to interfere with your daily life, your doctor may recommend cataract surgery. This is the only way to effectively treat cataracts and restore your vision.
The good news is that cataract surgery is one of the safest and most common procedures performed worldwide, with millions of people undergoing the operation each year.
- Pre-surgery assessment: Before the surgery, your doctor will measure your eye to determine the size and shape of your lens. This ensures that the replacement lens, known as an intraocular lens (IOL), fits perfectly. You’ll also discuss your vision needs and choose the type of lens best suited for you.
- The surgery: Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, meaning you won’t need to stay overnight in a hospital. The surgery typically lasts around 30 minutes. During the procedure, your surgeon will make a small incision in your eye to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear artificial one.
- Recovery time: After surgery, you’ll need to rest your eye for a few days. You may experience some mild discomfort or itching, but this usually subsides within a couple of days. Most people can return to their normal activities within a week, although full recovery may take a little longer.
Types of intraocular lenses (IOLs)
One of the decisions you’ll need to make before cataract surgery is which type of intraocular lens (IOL) to get. There are several options available, each with its own advantages:
- Monofocal lenses: These are the most common type of IOL and provide clear vision at one distance (either near, intermediate, or far). You’ll still need glasses for certain tasks, such as reading or driving.
- Multifocal lenses: These lenses allow you to see at multiple distances, reducing your dependence on glasses. However, they can cause more glare or halos around lights at night.
- Toric lenses: If you have astigmatism, toric lenses can correct this condition as well as your cataract.
Your surgeon will help you choose the best lens for your lifestyle and vision needs.
Recovering from cataract surgery
Cataract surgery has a high success rate, and most people experience improved vision within a few days. However, there are steps you’ll need to take to ensure a smooth recovery:
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity: For the first week or two after surgery, avoid activities that could put strain on your eyes.
- Use prescribed eye drops: Your surgeon will likely prescribe anti-inflammatory and antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection and reduce swelling.
- Attend follow-up appointments: It’s important to attend all follow-up appointments to ensure your eye is healing correctly and to address any potential issues early.
Most people find that their vision improves significantly after cataract surgery, allowing them to return to activities they enjoy without the limitations cataracts once imposed.
Closing remarks
Cataracts may be a common part of ageing, but they don’t have to take away your quality of life. By recognising cataract symptoms early and seeking timely treatment, you can manage the condition effectively.
Cataract surgery offers a safe, effective solution that can restore your vision and help you get back to enjoying the things you love.
👀 Read more: What Does Cataracts Look Like?
