As we recalled from the previous article, Cataract is a condition that clouds the eye's natural lens, and is also the number 1 cause of blindness.

When cataract develops, our lens become less transparent, and our vision tends to become blurry of hazy.

What causes Cataract?

Cataract is normally a result of aging, when the normal protein in the lens start to break down. Factors such as genetics, long-term exposure to sunglight, eye-injuries or certain medical conditions such as diabetes can also increase the risk of developing cataract. 

Symptoms of Cataract

• Blurry or cloudy vision
• Glare
• Seeing halos around light
• Reduced vision
• Reduced colour sensitivity
• Reduced contrast sensitivity

(Seeing Glare)

(reduced colour sensitivity)

Diagnosis

Cataract can be detected through a comprehensive eye-examination that includes a silt-lamp examination, refraction and visual acuity test. 

For patients who are diagnosed with cataract, your vision problem might not happen immediately. Hence, it is important to:

• Have an eye-examination every 2 years if you are younger than 65 years old. If you are older, we will recommend an eye-examination every year. 
• Protect your eyes from UV light, Shield your eyes with a UV400 sun lens, and /or wear a wide-brimmed hat
• Limit driving at night once your night vision is affected
• Take care of any other health problem, especially diabetes
• Get the correct eyewear with the correct prescription to correct your vision. 

Treatment

Cataract can only be removed with surgery. Cataract is a very common cause of blindness, however, it can be treated if detected early. 

If you are experiencing any symptooms, please visit your nearest optical outlet that provides comprehensive eye-examination, or visit your nearest GP for a thorough checl.