Summary:
- Cataracts develop when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to gradual changes in vision that glasses alone may not fully correct.
- Common symptoms include blurry or hazy vision, glare sensitivity, difficulty with night vision, and faded or yellowed colour perception.
- Cataract surgery replaces the cloudy lens with an artificial lens to improve vision and daily visual function.
- Your doctor will recommend monovision, multifocal, or toric lenses, depending on your lifestyle and visual requirements.
Cataracts develop when the natural lens inside the eye becomes cloudy, affecting how light passes through the eye.
Cataracts are strongly age-related, with most cases occurring in people over 60, and prevalence increases significantly as we get older. Cataracts can also develop earlier, especially in people with risk factors such as diabetes, high myopia, eye injury, prolonged steroid use, or previous eye surgery. They often interfere with daily activities such as reading, working, driving, and recognising faces.
That is why timely cataract assessment matters. In recognition of Cataract Awareness Month this June, keep reading to learn more about the common symptoms you should watch for and how a cataract specialist in Singapore can help.
What Are The Common Cataract Symptoms?
One of the more common symptoms of cataracts is blurry or cloudy vision. Some people describe it as looking through a fogged-up window or a layer of haze that does not clear even after cleaning their glasses.
This cloudiness may affect one or both eyes and can gradually interfere with reading, watching television, recognising faces, or focusing on fine details.
Glare And Light Sensitivity
Cataracts can make the eyes more sensitive to bright lights. Sunlight, headlights, or indoor lighting may appear excessively harsh, causing discomfort or glare.
Halos around lights are also common, particularly at night. This can make driving more challenging, especially in rainy conditions or areas with strong oncoming headlights.
Difficulty With Night Vision
Many people with cataracts notice that their vision worsens in dim environments. Night driving may feel more stressful due to glare, reduced contrast sensitivity, or difficulty judging distances clearly.
You may also find that low-light environments such as restaurants, cinemas, or poorly lit walkways become harder to navigate comfortably.
Faded Or Yellowed Colours
As cataracts progress, colours may appear less vivid or develop a yellowish tint. Whites may seem duller, while blues and purples can become harder to distinguish.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, it may be time to get your eyes checked by a cataract specialist. Contact Asia Retina Eye Surgery Centre in Singapore to book a cataract assessment.
Why Cataracts Are Often Mistaken For Prescription Changes?
Cataracts can initially cause symptoms that overlap with common refractive errors, such as short-sightedness or age-related reading difficulties. You may notice a temporary improvement after changing your glasses, only for the blurriness to return later.
If vision continues changing despite new glasses, or if symptoms such as glare and night vision difficulties become more noticeable, a cataract assessment may help determine whether cataracts are contributing to the problem.
What Does A Cataract Assessment Involve?
Your cataract specialist will perform a comprehensive eye assessment to determine whether cataracts are affecting your vision and whether treatment may be appropriate based on your symptoms, lifestyle needs, and overall eye health.
What Happens During The Eye Examination
During the assessment, your cataract specialist will perform a detailed eye examination to evaluate the clarity of the lens and the overall health of your eyes.
This may include:
- Vision testing
- Refraction assessment
- Slit lamp examination
- Retinal evaluation
- Eye pressure measurement
Dilating eye drops may also be used to allow a clearer view of the retina and internal eye structures.
What The Assessment Helps To Determine
The examination helps determine:
- Whether cataracts are present
- How severe the cataracts are
- Whether they are contributing to your symptoms
- Whether other eye conditions may also be affecting your vision
Conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, or macular degeneration may sometimes coexist with cataracts, which is why a comprehensive assessment is important before planning treatment.
How It Guides Treatment Decisions
Immediate cataract surgery is not required in all cases. Treatment recommendations are usually based on how much the cataract affects your daily activities and quality of life.
The cataract assessment also helps guide discussions about suitable intraocular lens (IOL) options, visual goals, and whether any additional procedures may be beneficial during cataract surgery.
Cataract Treatment Options At Asia Retina
Cataract treatment usually involves surgery to remove the cloudy natural lens and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The type of lens recommended depends on your vision needs, lifestyle, and overall eye health, so your specialist will guide you through the most suitable option.
Monovision Correction
With monovision correction, one eye is focused mainly for distance vision while the other is adjusted for near tasks.
This can reduce your dependence on glasses after surgery, especially for everyday activities like reading and using your phone. It does require some adjustment as each eye is set for a different range of focus.
Multifocal IOL
Multifocal intraocular lenses are designed to support clearer vision at multiple distances, including near, intermediate, and far.
This option may reduce the need for glasses in daily life, such as reading, computer work, and driving. However, it is important to note that some people may notice halos or glare, particularly in low-light conditions.
Toric IOL
If you have astigmatism, toric intraocular lenses can help correct the uneven curvature of the cornea.
By addressing astigmatism during cataract surgery, this lens option can improve overall visual clarity and may reduce your need for distance glasses after surgery.
Combined Cataract Surgery Approach
In certain cases, cataract surgery may be combined with treatment for other eye conditions, such as retinal issues or glaucoma.
This approach allows your specialist to manage more than one condition during the same surgical plan, where appropriate, helping to streamline care and recovery.
Find Out More With A Cataract Assessment
If you’ve been noticing persistent blurry vision, increased glare, or more difficulty with everyday visual tasks, it may be worth having your eyes checked.
At Asia Retina Eye Surgery Centre in Singapore, our cataract specialist carries out a detailed assessment to determine whether cataracts are affecting your vision or if another eye condition is to blame. We will also review your overall eye health so we can recommend a cataract treatment plan that aligns with your visual needs and daily lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know If I Have Cataracts Or Just Need New Glasses?
Cataracts and prescription changes can cause similar symptoms, especially in the early stages. If your vision continues changing despite updating your glasses, or if you experience glare, cloudy vision, or difficulty seeing at night, an eye examination may help identify whether cataracts are present.
Is Cataract Surgery Painful?
Cataract surgery is typically performed under local anaesthesia using numbing eye drops. Most people do not experience significant pain during the procedure, although mild pressure or temporary discomfort may occur.
How Long Is Recovery After Cataract Surgery
Vision often begins improving within a few days, although full recovery may take several weeks. Your ophthalmologist will provide guidance on eye drops, activity restrictions, and follow-up care during the recovery period.
Can Cataracts Come Back After Surgery?
The cataract itself does not return after the cloudy lens has been removed. However, some people may develop clouding of the capsule behind the artificial lens months or years later. This can usually be managed with a laser procedure if needed.
When Should I Consider Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is generally considered when vision changes begin affecting daily activities such as reading, driving, working, or recognising faces comfortably. The timing varies from person to person and depends on both visual symptoms and lifestyle needs.