Over 700,000 Aussies are affected by Cataracts
Over 700,000 Australians are currently affected by cataracts. Cataract is the clouding of the lens inside your eye which can disturb everyday activities such as reading and driving.
What age do cataracts usually start?
Most cataracts are age-related and are caused by normal changes in the eyes. When you are young, the lens inside your eye is clear. As we get older, the proteins inside the lens start to break down and clump together - this clouded area is known as a cataract.
However, it is important to understand that cataracts are not always age-related. If you are concerned about cataracts, it is best to book in to see an optometrist. At Northbridge Optical, located in the North Sydney area, all eye examinations are bulk-billed under medicare.
What are the first signs of having cataracts?
In the early stages of cataract development, you may not notice any changes to your vision. As the cataract develops, you may notice symptoms which include:
Blurry vision
Difficulty reading
Cloudy, foggy or hazy vision
Colours appear less vibrant
Difficulty with night vision
Halos around lights
Double vision
Difficulty adjusting to different lighting conditions
Spectacles no longer seem clear
Who is at risk of developing cataracts?
Most of the time, cataracts are age-related. However, there are other factors which may influence the progress of cataracts. Some of this risk factors included:
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Smoking
Excessive alcohol consumption
Eye injury/surgery
Excessive UV exposure
Medications (particularly steroids)
If you are worried that you may be at risk of developing cataracts, it is best to consult with your eye doctor. If you are looking for an optometrist in the North Sydney area, our optometrist at Northbridge Optical offers bulk-billed eye consultations to discuss your risk of developing cataracts.
What can I do to prevent cataracts?
As discussed, most cataract changes are age-related. However, there are other factors which may cause the cataract to develop faster. Some preventative measures include:
Regular eye examinations
Wearing sunglasses and a hat with a brim to protect your eyes from UV exposure
Quit smoking
Lifestyle changes
We recommend having regular eye examinations with your optometrist to monitor the progress of your cataracts. Your optometrist will discuss ways to slow down the progression of your cataracts.
What is the treatment for cataracts?
For those who have been diagnosed with cataracts, we recommend an annual eye examination to monitor the progression of cataracts. Surgery is the only way to completely remove the cataracts, however, cataract surgery is usually not required in the early stages.
Cataracts can cause the prescription in the spectacles to change. If you have been diagnosed with cataracts, you should see an optometrist regularly to check if your spectacles need to be updated.
If spectacles no longer provide adequate vision for everyday activities. Your optometrist may refer you to an ophthalmologist for cataract surgery. The optometrist at Northbridge Optical work closely with ophthalmologists from Northern Sydney Cataract who specialises in cataract surgery.
References:
www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts