Lindfield Eye Care
02 9415 6055
3/303 Pacific Hwy, Lindfield NSW 2070

Cataracts

Cataracts

Understanding Cataracts: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a gradual clouding that develops within the eye’s lens, leading to increasingly blurry vision. Colors may appear less vibrant, and night driving can become challenging due to glare.

Symptoms of Cataracts

Common symptoms of cataracts include:

  • Difficulty recognizing faces due to glare.
  • Issues with night driving as headlights often appear “star-like” or overly bright.
  • Struggles following objects, like a golf ball, due to glare.
  • Colors may seem less vivid, and people may find themselves wearing sunglasses more often than before.
  • A need for more frequent updates to prescription glasses, which may no longer provide the clarity they once did.

According to a report by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, in 2004, nearly 1.5 million Australians aged 55 or older were living with untreated cataracts, representing 31% of that age group. While cataracts are most commonly associated with aging, other risk factors include prolonged sunlight exposure and smoking.


Cataract Surgery

The primary treatment for cataracts is a surgical procedure where the clouded lens is replaced with a clear artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens (IOL). Various IOL options are available, and your specialist will recommend one suited to your visual needs.