When Is the Right Time to Consider Cataract Removal?

Cataracts are a leading cause of vision loss worldwide and are extremely common in Singapore. As this gradual clouding of the eye's lens progresses, it can significantly impact your daily life. While cataracts are difficult to prevent, they are effectively treatable.

The key question for many people, however, is when the right time to consider cataract removal is. Learn the key signs to watch for from our ophthalmologist in Singapore.

What Are Cataracts?

Cataracts are an eye condition where the eye's natural lens becomes progressively cloudy, leading to blurred or dim vision. This cloudiness typically develops when proteins within the lens break down and clump together, making it difficult for light to pass through to the retina. As the clouding progresses, individuals may experience a lower quality of sight, making it challenging to perform daily activities like reading, driving, and recognising faces.

While most cataracts are related to ageing, other factors can contribute to their development. These include genetics, diabetes, prolonged exposure to UV rays, eye injuries, smoking, certain medications, and prior eye surgeries.

Signs It Might Be Time for Cataract Removal

For early cataracts causing no significant vision changes, certain adjustments like wearing anti-glare sunglasses, using a magnifying glass, or improving lighting can help. However, cataracts will continue to progress, and eventually, surgery will be necessary.

Ophthalmologists may recommend cataract removal surgery when a patient experiences symptoms that interfere with their daily life. These signs include:

• Difficulty in Reading

  Patients frequently describe needing increasingly bright light for reading, holding books or newspapers farther away, or experiencing fatigue during prolonged reading sessions. When these symptoms persist despite updated prescriptions and optimal lighting, surgery may be warranted.

• Glare or Halos

  Many patients first notice these symptoms while driving at night, when oncoming headlights or street lights create bothersome halos or starbursts. This can make night driving unsafe and may necessitate surgery even when daytime vision remains adequate.

• Blurry or Cloudy Vision

  This symptom typically develops gradually, allowing patients to adapt unconsciously until the impairment becomes severe. When a patient's visual acuity drops below certain thresholds or when contrast sensitivity is significantly impaired, surgery can provide dramatic improvement.

• Trouble with Daily Tasks

  When cataracts begin interfering with essential daily activities, like difficulty cooking safely, managing medications, navigating stairs, or performing job-related tasks, surgical intervention might be necessary.

• Frequent Changes in Eyeglass Prescription

  This pattern is particularly common with nuclear cataracts, which can cause increasing nearsightedness. Patients may initially be pleased with a temporarily improved reading vision, but their overall vision will continue to decline despite prescription changes.

• Impaired Vision Despite Wearing Glasses

  When corrective lenses no longer provide adequate visual clarity, surgery is the best option. This is a key sign that the cataract's opacity is preventing light from reaching the retina, a problem that cannot be fixed with a new prescription.

How Does Cataract Surgery Work?

Cataract surgery is a quick and safe procedure designed to restore clear vision lost due to cataracts. The surgery involves removing the clouded, natural lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This new lens allows light to pass through and focus properly on the retina, significantly improving vision and reducing symptoms.

What are the Benefits of Timely Cataract Removal?

While temporary measures can help in the early stages, cataract surgery is the only treatment that truly addresses the underlying cause. Some people may delay the procedure, but postponing treatment can complicate the surgery and negatively impact the outcome.

Choosing to undergo cataract surgery at the right time offers the following benefits:

• Improved Vision Clarity: Cataract surgery restores vision clarity by replacing the cloudy lens with a clear, artificial one. This allows patients to see more sharply and vividly.
• Preventing Blindness: If left untreated, advanced cataracts can lead to blindness. Addressing the condition with surgery on time preserves eyesight and prevents permanent vision loss.
• Reduced Risk of Falls and Injuries: With clearer vision, individuals, especially older adults, can navigate their surroundings in a safer manner, reducing the risk of falls and other injuries.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: By regaining clear vision, patients can restore their independence and confidence, enabling them to participate in activities they once enjoyed fully.
• Long-Term Cost Savings: Timely surgery prevents the need for frequent changes in eyeglass prescriptions and avoids complications that may require more complex and costly treatments later on.

If you notice significant vision changes or have concerns about your eyesight, do not hesitate to consult an ophthalmologist. Our cataract surgery clinic in Singapore provides expert evaluation, timely intervention, and personalised care to help restore your vision and protect your eye health. Give us a call at 6737 8366 to schedule an appointment.