Cataracts

Cataracts are one of the most common age-related eye conditions, affecting millions of people worldwide. A cataract occurs when the normally clear lens inside the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurred or hazy vision. This clouding is typically caused by natural changes in the lens proteins as we age, though cataracts can also develop earlier due to factors such as diabetes, eye trauma, prolonged steroid use, excessive UV exposure, or a family history of early cataracts.

Symptoms usually develop gradually. Patients may notice decreased clarity of vision, difficulty reading small print, increased light sensitivity, or glare and halos around lights—particularly at night. Colours may appear dull or faded, and frequent changes in glasses prescriptions are common as the cataract progresses.

While early cataracts may be managed temporarily with updated spectacles, improved lighting, or anti-glare lenses, these measures only address symptoms—they cannot stop cataracts from worsening. The only effective long-term treatment is cataract surgery, one of the safest and most successful procedures in modern medicine.

Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This is usually performed under local anaesthetic, takes approximately 20 minutes, and requires no stitches in most cases. Patients typically experience rapid visual improvement within days.

There are several IOL options available. Monofocal lenses provide clear vision at a single focal distance, usually optimised for distance. Multifocal or extended-depth-of-focus (EDOF) lenses reduce dependence on glasses by providing a broader range of vision. Toric lenses correct pre-existing astigmatism, offering sharper vision without distortion. Your ophthalmologist will recommend the most suitable lens based on your lifestyle, eye health, and visual needs.

With timely diagnosis and modern surgical methods, cataracts can be treated effectively, restoring clarity and improving quality of life for patients of all ages.