A cataract occurs when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, making vision blurry or hazy. This cloudiness scatters light and prevents the eye from focusing clearly, which can affect daily activities such as reading, driving, or recognizing faces.
Cataracts are most common in people over the age of 55, but they can also develop in infants, young children, or as a result of eye injury, certain medications, or medical conditions. Cataracts usually develop in both eyes, although one eye may be affected more than the other.
The lens sits just behind the coloured part of the eye (the iris) and helps focus light onto the retina. Over time, natural changes in the lens proteins can cause the lens to become cloudy, leading to gradual vision changes.
Your eyes may take longer to adapt to sudden changes in light levels.
Text may become blurry or harder to see clearly, even with glasses.
Distinguishing between objects in low contrast, like a white object on a light background, becomes challenging.
Halos and glare from headlights can severely affect vision, making driving dangerous.
Objects become harder to focus on, even with corrective lenses.
Difficulty judging distances, which can affect activities like driving or walking.
You may find yourself needing new prescriptions more often as the cataract progresses.
Certain colors, like blue or green, may appear washed out or indistinguishable.
Your eye doctor will conduct a comprehensive eye exam, which includes:
Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens from your eye and replacing it with a small artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL). IOLs are important for restoring your vision and improving your quality of life after surgery.
There are different types of IOLs, each with its own benefits and safety features. Your cataract surgeon can help you choose the right IOL for you. During your preoperative exam and consultation, they will explain the options, answer your questions, and discuss the risks of surgery. Risks may include infection, inflammation, increased eye pressure, retinal detachment, and glare or halos around lights. This discussion will help you make the best decision for your needs.
