Cataracts are a common eye condition that can cause blurry vision, light sensitivity, and difficulty seeing at night. While they often develop with age, other factors like injury or medical conditions can also play a role. In this blog, we’ll cover what cataracts are, their symptoms, and treatment options, including cataract surgery in Calgary. At Mission Eye Care, our experienced optometrists can assess your eye health and guide you toward the best treatment to keep your vision clear.
What are cataracts?
Cataracts are a clouding of the normally clear natural crystalline lens of the eye. The lens of the eye sits behind the coloured part of the eye, called the iris. Generally, cataracts develop slowly and reduce light from entering the eye, which can lead to vision impairment and vision loss. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide.
Almost everyone in a lifetime will develop some amount of cataract affecting one or both eyes. Not everyone will develop cataracts to the point of needing surgery, but almost everyone will eventually have some form of it.
- Age-Related Cataracts (Most Common Type): Typically develop as we age, usually in individuals 60 years and older. They may progress gradually over the years or more rapidly within a few months.
- Congenital Cataracts: Clouding of the natural lens present at birth.
- Traumatic Cataracts: Result from direct trauma to the eye, surrounding ocular structures, or the head.
- Cataracts Due to Other Factors: Certain health conditions (such as diabetes), genetics, smoking, prolonged corticosteroid use, past eye surgeries, radiation treatments, or excessive UV exposure without proper eye protection can contribute to cataract development. Females are also at a higher risk.
What are the Symptoms of Cataracts?
How Do I Prevent Cataracts?
With early or mild cataracts, some people do not have any symptoms at first. As cataracts continue to increase in cloudiness, you may experience any of the following symptoms:
- Consistent cloudy or blurry distance and/or near vision that does not go away with repeated blinking
- You may see halos or starbursts around lights, especially at night
- Colours may look different or appear more faded
- Difficulty with reading in low light (you may need extra light to read)
- Double vision in one eye
- Increased sensitivity to light and glare
- Frequent changing of your eyeglasses or contact lens prescription
Currently, there are no proven studies to prevent or slow the growth of cataracts. However, many strategies may be helpful, including:
- Routine Eye Exams: Eye exams can help detect cataracts and other eye health and systemic problems
- Stop Smoking: People who smoke are 2-3 times more likely to develop cataracts compared with people who do not smoke
- Manage Health Conditions: Systemic conditions such as diabetes can increase your risk of cataracts.
- Eat Healthy: Choose a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Protect Your Eyes: Wear UV protection eyewear like sunglasses outdoors.
What are the treatments for cataracts?
Currently, the only effective treatment for cataracts is surgical removal. Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy natural lens and replacing it, if you are a candidate, with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens. It remains as a permanent part of the eye. If both eyes need cataract surgery, usually one eye will have the cataract removed, and a few weeks later, the other eye cataract will be removed.
Generally, cataract surgery should not be painful. During surgery, patients are given medication to numb the eye. However, you may feel some mild pressure and discomfort during the procedure. Cataract surgery usually takes about 15 minutes to perform, and you are typically awake during the procedure. After the procedure, you should have someone drive you home to rest. Healing normally occurs in 4-8 weeks.
Cataract surgery is generally safe. However, there are risks to any surgery. Some risks may include but are not limited to infection, bleeding, and possible retinal detachments of the eye. The surgeon will go over all risks at the surgical consult.
Different intraocular lens types can help correct most vision problems, including myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Multifocal lenses are an option for some patients, though provincial health care may not cover certain lens types. Talk to your eye care professional to find the best option for your vision needs.
Currently, Alberta health care covers the cost of a basic monofocal intraocular lens implant cataract surgery.
Yes. Managing any existing ocular health conditions, such as dry eyes or eye infections, is important before undergoing cataract surgery. Proper treatment before surgery can help ensure accurate measurements and reduce the risk of complications. Talk to your healthcare professional about the best approach for managing these conditions.
Conclusion
If you would like to know if you have cataracts or need more information about cataracts, book a routine eye examination with one of our experienced optometrists here at Mission Eye Care. Book an appointment online or by phone at (403)-440-1234.
References
- Ang MJ et al. Cataract and systemic disease: a review. Clin Experiment Ophthalmol. 2021;49(2):118-127.
- Lindblad BE, Håkansson N, Wolk A. Smoking Cessation and the Risk of Cataract: A Prospective Cohort Study of Cataract Extraction Among Men. JAMA Ophthalmol.2014;132(3):253–257. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2013.6669
- Zetterberg, M., & Celojevic, D. (2014). Gender and Cataract – The Role of Estrogen. Current Eye Research, 40(2), 176–190. https://doi.org/10.3109/02713683.2014.898774
