Critical Vision Consulting: An Optometry Blog

Could You Be in the Process of Developing a Cataract?

28 December 2022

Enni Marttila

Have you noticed some issues with your eyesight recently? Do you find it difficult to focus on something that is in the middle distance? Alternatively, have you noticed some rings or halos around bright lights at night? Such signs could be associated with a cataract formation, which is not unusual but may need some attention. What do you need to know about this eye condition?

Commonplace Eye Condition 

Cataracts will affect a large number of Australians as they reach older age. They may sometimes appear earlier in life and will often affect both eyes (although not always at the same time).

How Cataracts Develop

A cataract refers to an issue with the eye's natural lens, which is responsible for focusing on images. Protein deposits can accumulate on the surface of the lens as time goes by and will eventually cause it to become opaque. As a condition develops, it can lead to some unusual symptoms, including blurred vision and halos. Eventually, it will become very difficult for the patient to see through that eye at all, but an optician will typically recommend further attention before that happens.

Cataract Replacement Surgery

Usually, an optician will refer a patient to an eye surgeon specialising in cataract replacement. This is a very commonplace procedure with a high degree of success and is handled on an outpatient basis.

Prepare for Surgery

Prior to the surgery, a technician will measure your eye so they can order an artificial replacement lens. They do this with a simple and unobtrusive measurement device. Then, during the procedure, the surgeon will make a tiny incision on the surface of the eye under local anaesthetic so that they can remove the old lens. They will then insert the new lens in its place.

Return to Normal

Most patients will be able to see more clearly through that eye on the very next day, and vision should gradually return in the days thereafter. If the cataract is at an advanced stage, the patient may notice a considerable improvement and be able to return to normal, everyday life.

Take the Next Step

So, if you suspect that you may be developing a cataract or are worried about eye symptoms of any kind, talk with the expert as soon as possible. You may need to schedule an eye surgery to replace the damaged lens with an alternative but remember, this is a very commonplace procedure with a high degree of success.

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