What Are Cataracts?
Cataracts are a common eye condition where the normally clear lens of the eye
becomes cloudy or opaque. This cloudiness can interfere with light passing through the
lens, leading to blurry vision, difficulty with night driving, faded colors, and increased
sensitivity to glare.
Why Do Cataracts Happen?
Cataracts typically develop as part of the natural aging process. As we age, the protein in the eye’s lens can begin to break down and clump together, forming a cloudy area.
While aging is the most common cause, other factors can contribute to the development
of cataracts, including:
Diabetes
- Smoking
- Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light
- Eye injuries
- Certain medications (e.g., long-term use of steroids)
- Genetic predisposition
How Do We Test for Cataracts?
At our clinic, cataract diagnosis begins with a comprehensive eye examination,
tailored to provide a full picture of your eye health and visual function. Our evaluation includes:
- Visual acuity testing to assess how clearly you can see at various distances and determine how cataracts may be affecting your everyday
vision. - Advanced imaging, including Optos widefield retinal imaging and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), to capture detailed images of the retina and optic nerve. These help us rule out other conditions that may affect your vision or influence treatment options.
- Specular Microscopy testing to evaluate the strength and flexibility of the cornea, as well as the health of the endothelial cell layer. These measurements are important when considering surgical options and choosing the right intraocular lens (IOL).
By combining these technologies, we’re able to detect cataracts early, monitor
their progression, and provide personalized recommendations based on your
unique eye anatomy and visual needs.
How Are Cataracts Treated?
In the early stages, cataract symptoms may be managed with stronger eyeglasses, improved lighting, or anti-glare lenses. However, as cataracts progress, the only effective treatment is surgical removal of the cloudy lens.
Cataract surgery is a safe, outpatient procedure where the cloudy lens is replaced with
a clear, artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The results are often dramatic, with most patients experiencing significantly improved vision and quality of life.
Our clinic offers advanced diagnostic tools and works closely with patients to determine
the right time for surgery. We also offer premium lens options tailored to individual
lifestyle needs which would be discussed at