Get treatment for cataract, a leading cause of blindness
Cataract, a condition in which the lens of the eye develops cloudy patches which affect vision, is common among older adults in Singapore and if left untreated, can cause visual impairment and even blindness. The World Health Organization reports that cataracts are responsible for “51 per cent of world blindness”.
Most cataracts develop because of wear and tear from ageing, though there are other causes too, such as smoking, diabetes, eye injury/inflammation, excessive exposure to sunlight, eye surgery, and prolonged use of corticosteroids.
In some cases, a cataract can be caused by genetic factors, and you could be born with it or develop it during childhood.
Cataracts usually develop in both eyes, though the extent of clouding may differ between the two.
How does a cataract form and what are its symptoms?
A cataract forms when protein clumps together and forms a cloudy patch on the transparent lens through which light passes before it reaches the retina. This abnormal build-up of protein grows slowly and gradually covers more and more of the lens. At an advanced stage, you may develop the following symptoms:
Cloudy/blurry vision
Difficulty seeing at night
Seeing a halo around a light
Faded appearance of colours
Sensitivity to glare
Frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contact lenses
Diagnosing and treating a cataract
A cataract is diagnosed with the help of a comprehensive eye exam and a retinal exam which requires dilation of the pupils.
If your cataract is affecting the quality of your daily life, you will be advised surgery which involves removing the clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial one. Your doctor will use a local anaesthetic to numb the area around your eye before performing the procedure which is generally safe and has a high success rate.
After surgery, you will be advised to minimise the risk of infection by keeping the affected eye clean.
Cataract surgery is a day procedure and takes less than 30 minutes to perform, but it can take 4 to 8 weeks for full recovery.
Reduce the risk of developing cataract by doing the following:
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from ultraviolet (UV) rays when exposed to sunlight
Eat a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables
Manage your diabetes with the prescribed medication
Avoid smoking
Limit your alcohol consumption
Have regular eye exams
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