Common Cataract Questions

A natural part of the aging process, cataracts cause formerly clear lenses of the eyes to become cloudy. When this happens, objects look blurry, dull, yellow, dim, or distorted – kind of like looking through a dusty or frosted window.

Ultimately, cataracts cause progressively reduced vision, even so far as the level of legal blindness (though fortunately reversible) if left long enough. However, even before they affect measured vision, they can affect vision quality in a number of ways. Reduced contrast sensitivity may cause struggles in low light environments, also dysphotopsias such as halos, starburst, and glare – particularly at night – can be debilitating. These effects and the blur may be so insidious it may not be recognised until significantly advanced.

As your eyes age, proteins and fibres naturally present in the lens begin to degrade and clump together. When this process occurs, cataracts form as cloudy patches that block or scatter light, resulting in vision that is blurry, hazy, or otherwise distorted.

While ageing is the primary risk factor for cataracts, it is not the only risk. Excessive, unprotected exposure to UV light from the sun or tanning beds, poorly-managed diabetes, smoking, excess weight, hypertension, and heavy alcohol consumption are associated with cataracts, too. So, many of the habits and behaviours that are good for the rest of your body are also good for your eyes and support a lifetime of clear vision.

Cataracts can’t be reversed merely with lifestyle changes after they have developed. There are no truly noninvasive approaches to treat cataracts, such as special eye drops, medications, vitamins, or effective red light therapy. The only way to treat diagnosed cataracts is with surgery, which is common, well-tolerated, and performed on an outpatient basis.

The timing of your surgery is personal. Many early cataracts are quite small, but vision quality can be rapidly affected even before objects become blurred. Sometimes, the side effects of early-stage cataracts can be improved with noninvasive approaches, such as new eyeglasses, lighting adjustments, or anti-glare sun protection. You may wish to progress with surgery due to:

• Vision disturbances that affect the quality of your life
• Poor vision that causes you to change your normal activities, such as no longer driving at night
• Frequent changes to your contact lens or eyeglass prescriptions 
• Desire to reduce your dependence on spectacles

Specific techniques vary. In general, Dr. Rylan Hayes removes the cataract (or clouded natural lens) by making small incisions near the edge of the cornea to access the lens. These treatments are administered to numbed eyes so you won’t feel anything! After the cataract is removed by breaking up the lens with a special ultrasound vacuum (phacoemulsification), it is replaced with an artificial lens before a protective shield is placed over the eye to encourage healthy healing.

Wear the protective eyeshield as instructed by Dr. Rylan Hayes – The Vision Surgeon. All prescribed anti-inflammatory eye drops should also be taken exactly as prescribed. Limit activities for the first 24 to 48 hours, and avoid heavy lifting and vigorous exercise for at least one week, and ensure it remains clean and dry. Vision is often improved by the very next day, though some inflammation may take a few weeks to finish settling.

Yes. Once the lens is removed, it’s gone for good and a new cataract will never grow. We replace it with a medically inert acrylic IOL, personalised to your needs and preferences. Not uncommonly, some scar tissue called posterior capsular opacification (PCO) can grow on the IOL like soap scum on a shower screen. Although this may occur any time in the future, fortunately Dr Rylan Hayes offers easy treatment with a quick, painless, laser polishing called a YAG capsulotomy. So if you had cataract surgery in the past which has lost its brilliance, ask your optometrist if you have PCO and could benefit from a YAG by Dr Rylan Hayes.