Cataracts, a prevalent eye condition, can significantly impair a person’s vision, especially as they age. They cause a noticeable blur, cloudiness, and a reduction in image contrast. While cataracts are a natural part of ageing, not everyone will experience symptoms severe enough to require removal.
Cataracts develop in the lens of the eye. It can happen in one or both eyes. The lens is made primarily of water and proteins, and over time, the proteins clump together, causing clouding of the lens. This is a cataract. Age is the most significant contributing factor in cataract development; however, cataracts can occur with prolonged sun exposure, diabetes, and certain medications, amongst other things.
Cataract symptoms vary but often include;
- Blurry/cloudy vision
- Sensitivity to glare, especially headlights while night driving
- Reduced contrast of images, such as reading a newspaper, becomes more difficult.
- Double vision in one eye
Not all cataracts require treatment, and they can grow very slowly and gradually without you noticing any change in your vision. Routine eye examinations with your optometrist in Canberra and updating your glasses to improve your vision may be all needed in the early stages. Ensuring you have adequate task lighting is essential, particularly while reading, and anti-reflective coatings on your spectacles may help with night driving.
As cataracts develop further, your optometrist in Canberra may refer you to an ophthalmologist for surgery to remove the lens. This is a very common procedure in which the cataract is removed and replaced with an artificial lens. In most cases, patients’ vision is better following cataract surgery without glasses on than what they were able to see with glasses before the surgery! Your optometrist in Canberra or your eye surgeon can guide you through which artificial lens type suits your lifestyle.
If you’re worried about your eyes, have noticed changes in your vision, or it’s been some time since your last eye exam, it’s crucial to make an appointment with your local optometrist in Canberra for a comprehensive eye examination. Regular eye check-ups are key to maintaining good eye health.
The Bottom Line
Cataract patients need routine monitoring to ensure their vision is functional and adequate for driving or operating heavy machinery. Your optometrist in Canberra will be able to advise you whether your vision meets the national standards and whether surgery is indicated. If you have been previously diagnosed with cataracts and haven’t had your eyes tested in the past 12 months, schedule an appointment today with your optometrist in Canberra.