What Are Cataracts?
A cataract is the gradual clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to reduced vision over time. In the early stages, cataracts often go unnoticed—but subtle symptoms like blurred vision, increased glare, and frequent prescription changes may begin to appear.
Contrary to popular belief, not all cataracts require immediate surgery. In fact, many people with early cataracts experience excellent improvement with updated spectacles, anti-glare coatings, or lifestyle adjustments.
How Cataracts Affect Vision
The lens in your eye must remain clear to focus light sharply onto the retina. When protein fibres within the lens begin to clump and cloud, light is scattered, and vision becomes foggy or distorted. This is particularly noticeable when:
- Driving at night
- Reading small print
- Recognising faces or colours
- Working in bright lighting conditions
One telltale sign of early cataracts? You feel like your glasses are constantly dirty, even after cleaning them.
Signs and Symptoms of Early Cataracts
As cataracts form and progress, you may notice:
- Cloudy, blurry, or hazy vision
- Colours appear faded or yellowed
- Increased sensitivity to glare, especially at night
- Halos around lights
- Poor night vision
- Double vision or ghosting in one eye
- Frequent changes in your glasses prescription
- Contact lenses or spectacles no longer feel effective
These symptoms can also mimic other eye conditions, which is why routine eye exams are essential.
What Causes Cataracts?
The lens is made primarily of water and proteins, which must remain transparent. Over time, protein clumping and oxidation lead to the clouding of the lens.
Common risk factors include:
- Ageing (most common cause)
- Long-term UV exposure (sunlight or tanning beds)
- Diabetes and hypertension
- Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption
- Long-term use of steroids or statins
- Obesity and poor nutrition
- Family history of cataracts
- Eye injuries or prior surgeries
Managing Early Cataracts
Cataracts do not need to be removed immediately. In many cases, non-surgical solutions provide noticeable improvement in vision:
Early-Stage Management Options:
- Updated prescription lenses
- Anti-reflective coatings and UV-blocking sunglasses
- Improved indoor lighting
- Bifocals, magnifiers, or reading aids
Routine check-ups allow your optometrist to monitor progression and recommend when—or if—referral to an ophthalmologist is appropriate.
When Should Surgery Be Considered?
Cataract surgery becomes an option when:
- Vision significantly affects daily activities (e.g. driving, reading, recognising faces)
- Night driving becomes dangerous
- There’s frequent lens prescription changes with minimal improvement
- Vision loss impacts work or independence
Surgery is not urgent and can be postponed until you’re ready. Your optometrist will guide you, helping you make a well-informed decision without pressure.
Noticing blurry or foggy vision that glasses can’t fix?
Schedule an eye exam with Davida van der Merwe Optometrist to assess for early cataracts, explore non-surgical solutions, and make informed choices about your eye health.
