When we are young, most of us have nice clear lenses. However, as we age, the lenses in our eyes can become dense and harder to see through. As a result the clarity of our vision is impacted.

This is a normal and an impact of age and is often due to cataract formation and the natural lense of the eye becoming cloudy.

In Australia, cataracts are common due to our sunny environment, and if we live long enough it is likely we will all have some cataract damage. These cloudy formations in the eye’s lens can gradually obscure vision to a point where it impacts daily life.

Understanding when it’s time to address cataract progression in consultation with ophthalmic medical professionals, and to regain clear vision is important and will lead to improved lifestyle.

In this blog, we explore what causes cataracts, where you can seek help, how cataracts are treated, and what outcomes you can expect after cataract surgery.

What is a Cataract?

Cataracts develop when proteins in the eye’s lens clump together, leading to cloudiness and vision impairment. While aging is the primary factor contributing to cataract formation, other factors such as genetics, diabetes, prolonged sun exposure, smoking, eye trauma, and long term use of certain medications can also play a role.

Can you prevent cataracts?

Cataracts are a natural part of aging, however cataracts will progress at different rates in different people, and genetics, as well as lifestyle choices will either delay or progress this onset and speed.

Some of the tactics to delay cataract progression  includes the below:

• protecting your eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses
• maintaining a healthy diet rich in antioxidants and vitamins
• avoiding smoking
• managing underlying health conditions such as diabetes

What are the signs it’s time to seek professional advice

Knowing when it’s time to seek advice begins with being aware of their visual impact on your ability to undertake everyday tasks. Common symptoms of advancing cataracts may include:

• General blurring or glare
• Ghosting or multiple images
• Difficulty reading and writing
• Difficulty with night vision and driving at night
• Rapid changes in your glasses and contact lens prescription

Where to seek a diagnosis and a referral to ophthalmic care

Your first stop is your optometrist. They will conduct a routine eye exam to assess the presence of cataracts through various tests, including visual acuity tests, slit-lamp examinations, and dilated eye exams. These tests are painless and conducted without the need for any sedation.

For those people whose cataract progression is impacting their ability to complete daily tasks, the optometrist will provide you with a referral to a specialist cataract ophthalmologist for a more detailed clinical assessment.

A referral to an ophthalmologist

At this next appointment, your ophthalmologist will undertake a more detailed clinical assessment of your cataracts to understand if surgery is recommended, provide you with time to consider the procedure carefully, and allow you to ask any questions you may have.

At this assessment, your eyes are examined using advanced diagnostic technology and measurements of the shape and length of each eye are taken to determine and design your treatment plan, and the specifications of the artificial lens (IOL) best suited to your unique eye.

Once again, this testing is painless and done without any sedation, however you will be unable to drive after your assessment due to drops used to dilate your pupils and so it is recommended that you have someone attend with you or arrange alternative transport home.

Your procedure and what to expect

Cataract surgery is one of the most routinely performed, and successful surgical procedures performed today. It is a day procedure, usually performed under anaesthetic drops and sedation, and visual recovery is rapid.

Usually taking around 10-15 minutes for the surgery itself, you can expect to be at the day surgery for 2-3 hours in total before returning to the comfort of home to rest.

You will need someone to drive you home and a responsible adult to stay with you for 24 hours. The sedation provided promotes sleep and it is recommended that resting is the best way to aid recovery in this first 12-24 hours after surgery.

Your recovery and what to expect

After your procedure your vision will improve rapidly over a 24 to 72 hour period, so you can return to normal activities when comfortable to do so. This includes watching TV, reading, writing and moderate exercise. However, you should not drive for at least 24 hours and avoid swimming, contact sports, and other activities as advised by your ophthalmologist for at least 3-5 days.

Your post-operative consultation with your eye doctor is scheduled for the day after the procedure. At this appointment your doctor will check your eyes and ensure they are healing as they should. This also provides you the opportunity to ask them any questions you may have. Generally, only one eye is treated at a time and so if both eyes are having surgery, you may have your second eye procedure on this next day.

One week after surgery you will see your doctor again for a second checkup. Follow-up consultations by your regular optometrist is recommended 6 weeks after this, and then every 1-2 years, unless otherwise advised.

In conclusion

As we age cataracts may cloud our vision. When this interferes with daily activities it is time to seek ophthalmic advice and consider surgery. Proven, routinely performed, and with high success rates, this timely intervention can restore clear vision.

If you suspect you may have cataracts or are experiencing changes in your vision, don’t hesitate to first book an appointment with your optometrist who will be able to assess your eyes and refer you to a specialist cataract ophthalmologist for further testing.

Hunter Street Eye Specialists provide its patient community access to skilled specialist cataract ophthalmologists who are supported by a highly skilled ophthalmic clinical team and customer support staff and are an excellent choice for those looking to benefit from cataract surgery.

 If you would like to find out more about cataracts click here or alternatively, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our friendly team on 02 9635 0663 or by filling out the contact form here.