Cataracts occur when the clear lens of your eye becomes cloudy. This clouding reduces the amount of light that enters the retina and can affect your vision.
For persons living with cataracts, activities like reading or driving become more difficult as the condition progresses. Depending on the severity or stage of your cataracts, there is a myriad of cataract treatment options in Singapore that you may be recommended.
Now, cataracts often develop due to aging, as proteins in the lens naturally break down and clump together over time. Other causes include:
- Prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays which can speed up lens clouding.
- High blood sugar due to chronic conditions like diabetes which can lead to faster cataract development.
- Smoking considering that the toxins from cigarette smoke can damage the eye’s proteins.
- Trauma to the eye which may trigger early cataract formation.
- Long-term steroid use. Certain medications, especially corticosteroids, can increase the risk of cataracts.
How Do You Know What Stage Your Cataract Is?
Many people seek treatment for cataracts—usually surgery when the condition makes it difficult to go about their day-to-day activities. If you’re considering cataract treatment in Singapore you may want to ask; how do you know what stage your cataract is?
Now, cataracts progress through different stages, each with specific symptoms. These stages can suggest when treatment or surgery is necessary. To know what stage your cataract is, the best thing to do is to check your cataract symptoms. Here’s a quick summary of what happens at different stages of cataracts;
- Stage 1: Early Cataracts – Slight Blurry Vision: At this stage, cataracts are just starting to form. You may notice mild vision changes, like slight blurriness or difficulty focusing on distant objects. Colors might appear less vibrant, but these symptoms are often subtle. Regular eye exams can detect early cataracts before they significantly impact your life.
- Stage 2: Immature Cataracts – Blurred Vision in Low Light: As the cataract grows, vision becomes noticeably blurry, especially in dim lighting. Reading small print or seeing clearly at night may become more challenging. Many people at this stage require frequent updates to their eyeglasses prescription to manage their symptoms temporarily.
- Stage 3: Mature Cataracts – Difficulty Driving at Night: During this stage, the cataract has matured, and night vision is significantly impaired. You may experience glare or halos around headlights while driving which makes nighttime travel unsafe. Tasks that require precise focus, such as sewing or reading fine print, become increasingly difficult.
- Stage 4: Hypermature Cataracts – Yellow and Cloudy Eye Appearance: In advanced cases, cataracts cause the lens to harden and take on a yellowish or cloudy appearance. This stage can lead to severe vision loss, including double vision or complete inability to focus. Surgery may be recommended at this point to restore vision.
How Do You Know When It Is Time to Remove Cataracts?
Cataracts don’t always require immediate surgery. So, you can always wait. As you wait, there are certain signs that may indicate it is time to consult a specialist. Here are the key signs:
- Cloudy Vision: Cloudy or blurry vision is one of the earliest and most noticeable signs of cataracts. If you find your world appearing as though it’s behind a foggy window, it’s time to schedule an eye check-up.
- Changes in Color Vision: As you’ve read earlier on this page, cataracts can cause colors to appear dull or faded. Whites may look yellowish, and you might find it harder to distinguish between shades. This symptom can progress as the cataract worsens.
- Glare While Driving: Glare from oncoming headlights or sunlight can make driving difficult. If you experience halos around lights or intense sensitivity to glare, it could indicate that your cataracts are advanced enough to need surgery.
- Difficulty with Reading: Do you struggle to read books, labels, or digital screens despite using prescription glasses? You could be dealing with a case of cataracts that needs treatment. Cataracts can distort light entering your eye and make close-up tasks harder.
- Frequent Prescription Changes: If your eyeglasses or contact lens prescription needs constant updates but still doesn’t fully correct your vision, it could mean the cataract is progressing. The same goes for seeing double or experiencing ghost images, especially in just one eye. This too is a strong indicator of advanced cataracts. This can interfere with daily tasks like reading, driving, or recognizing faces.
- Halos Around Lights: Halos or rings of light around streetlights, lamps, or car headlights are another sign of cataract progression. These halos become more noticeable at night and can make nighttime activities nearly impossible.
Can you see what’s happening During Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective options for cataract treatment in Singapore. This surgery is widely accessible at private clinics, public hospitals, and specialized eye centers. If you’re planning for the procedure you may wonder; can you see what’s happening during cataract surgery?
The answer is no, you can’t see what’s happening during cataract surgery. Although you’re awake, the eye is numbed, and your vision will be blurred or completely blocked during the procedure. Here’s what to expect during your cataract surgery;
The procedure involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL). The surgery is minimally invasive and typically performed under local anesthesia. There are several types of cataract surgery but the most notable ones are;
- Phacoemulsification which is the most common method. This procedure involves the use of ultrasound waves to break up the cataract before removal.
- Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Surgery which is a more advanced option using lasers for precision.
Most people experience improved vision within days of surgery, though full recovery can take a few weeks. Follow-up appointments ensure the eye is healing well, and most individuals resume normal activities shortly after the procedure.
In Closing
Cataracts may develop gradually, but they can have a significant impact on your quality of life. The good news is that there are several advanced surgical procedures that can correct this condition and help restore your vision.
The best part is that if you’re visiting a top cataract specialist clinic in Singapore, you get to enjoy expert care which ensures the procedure is safe, effective, and accessible.
Are you noticing symptoms of cataracts like blurry vision, glare, or difficulty with daily tasks? Schedule a consultation today for tailored treatment and to get your life back on track. Get in touch with a skilled cataract surgeon in Singapore now at;
Chelvin Sng Eye Centre – Glaucoma | Cataract Surgery | Retina Specialist | Ophthalmologist Singapore
38 IRRAWADDY ROAD MT ELIZABETH NOVENA SPECIALIST CENTRE,
#06-25, Singapore 329563
+65 6334 2282
