Clarity unveiled: Navigating cataracts and modern solutions

As we age, our eyes may encounter challenges, and one common vision problem that affects millions worldwide is cataracts. Often referred to as a "clouding" of the lens, cataracts can cast a blurry veil over life's splendour.

 In his latest online article, Professor Robert MacLaren will delve into the intricacies of cataracts, exploring their causes, symptoms, prevention, and the modern miracles of cataract surgery that can restore the clarity of vision and improve quality of life.

Understanding cataracts:

Cataracts, though widely prevalent in older individuals, can occur at any age. They form when the natural proteins in the eye's lens start to clump together, obscuring light from passing through and leading to vision impairment. This gradual process results in a clouded, blurred, or dimmed vision, similar to peering through frosted glass. Cataracts can affect one or both eyes, but they do not spread from one eye to the other.

Causes of cataracts:

While age is the most common factor contributing to cataracts, other causes include:

a) Genetics: Family history of cataracts may increase the likelihood of developing them.

b) Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can lead to the formation of cataracts.

c) Lifestyle choices: Poor nutrition can accelerate cataract development.

d) High myopia: Cataracts develop much earlier in very short-sighted people.

e) Trauma: Eye injuries or retinal surgery can trigger a cataract in the affected eye.

Recognising the symptoms:

 Identifying cataracts early is crucial for timely intervention. Common symptoms include:

a) Changes in spectacle prescription: In the early stages, cataracts cause refractive changes in the lens leading to frequent changes in spectacles, often every 6 months.

b) Blurred vision: Vision becomes progressively cloudy, reducing clarity.

c) Sensitivity to light: Light sources, like car headlights may appear glaring or uncomfortable.

d) Difficulty seeing at night: Night vision becomes compromised, making driving and other activities challenging.

e) Fading colours: Colours lose their vibrancy and appear duller than usual.

f) Double vision: Objects may seem to have ghost images or duplicate outlines.

Prevention and lifestyle tips:

Cataract development is a product both of genetics and natural aging. Hence there is little that can be done to prevent it in most cases. Advances in intraocular lens technology mean that people with even very mild cataracts can expect to experience a significant improvement in vision. Hence developing a cataract is not something to be afraid of. Some metabolic conditions however can accelerate cataract, such as poorly controlled diabetes, low thyroid levels and diseases which require regular prescriptions of cortisol-based steroids, such as prednisolone.

The marvels of cataract surgery:

 Fortunately, cataracts are treatable, and modern cataract surgery has evolved into a safe and effective procedure. During the surgery, the clouded lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The operation is typically quick, and recovery times have significantly shortened in recent years. Patients often experience improved vision, reduced dependency on glasses, and a renewed zest for life as the world becomes clear again. The newest lenses can correct astigmatism (toric lenses), extend the range of spectacle-free vision (extended depth of focus lenses) and even remove spectacle requirements at all distances in good light (trifocal intraocular lenses). All these lens options will be explained depending on individual circumstances at the pre-operative cataract assessment.

Professor Robert MacLaren is one of the world’s leading ophthalmologists with over 20 years of experience in his field. You can book an appointment with Prof MacLaren today on his Top Doctors profile.