Recognising the first signs of cataracts

Cataracts form naturally in the lens of the eye as we age. It is important to recognise the first symptoms of cataracts in order to seek treatment promptly before the vision is severely impacted. Leading consultant ophthalmic surgeon Mr Sameer Trikha, who treats patients in London, explains what these signs are, how they are diagnosed, and what the best treatment option is. 

What is the first sign of cataracts? 

A lot of patients will find that the first symptom of cataracts is experiencing difficulty with their night vision or some glare from the headlights of cars. Thereafter other symptoms that are very common in the early stages of cataracts include mild blurring of the vision, haloes around lights, or occasionally glare in sunlight. Furthermore, some patients may experience difficulty reading small print. 

What age do cataracts usually start?

Cataracts normally start after the age of fifty, however, in some patients with conditions such as diabetes, or in patients who have had to take steroid medications, cataracts can develop earlier in life. As we all get older, however, we all tend to end up getting cataracts. By the age of eighty, about eighty-five percent of us have a degree of cataract in our eyes. 

What are some symptoms of cataracts?

Common symptoms of cataracts include glare in sunlight, haloes around lights or car headlamps, particularly at night time when you're driving, and also difficulty with small print. Patients often explain they have some difficulty with the clarity of vision both for distance as well as close. 

How does a cataract affect your vision?

A cataract can affect vision in a number of different ways, as outlined above. Very occasionally, a cataract can actually induce some double vision, but that's typically in the affected eye that has the cataract, and not the non-affected eye. 

How are cataracts diagnosed?

Cataracts are normally diagnosed and identified by an eye assessment and which can be performed by an optometrist on the high street or by an ophthalmologist who performs a detailed examination and under high magnification. This examines if the natural lens of the eye is starting to become cloudy, known as a cataract. 

What is the best treatment for cataracts?

The best treatment for cataracts by far is cataract extraction and cataract replacement, in which we use an artificial lens implant inserted into the eye. Cataract surgery, where we remove the cataracts, is the best solution for patients with symptomatic cataracts. 

Mr Sameer Trikha is an internationally recognised consultant ophthalmic surgeon based in London. If you are interested in booking a consultation with Mr Sameer Trikha, you can do so by visiting his Top Doctors profile.