UNDERSTANDING CATARACTS

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens inside the eye, leading to vision impairment. This occurs when proteins within the lens break down and clump together, causing the lens to lose its transparency. Over time, these changes affect vision and may require tailored management strategies. 

Different types of cataracts develop due to various causes, affecting vision differently.

Nuclear Cataracts

• Develop in the center of the lens, worsening with age.
• Signs: Initial near-vision improvement (which later declines), yellowing of colors, hazy sight in bright light.

Cortical Cataracts

• Form around the lens edges, like spokes of a wheel, and are often linked to diabetes or natural aging.
• Signs: Glare sensitivity, streaks or wedge-shaped opacities, reduced night vision clarity.

Posterior Sub-capsular Cataracts

• Develop at the back of the lens, progressing quickly. Linked to chronic steroid use and ocular inflammation.
• Signs: Glare and halos, difficulty reading in dim light, foggy central vision.

Traumatic Cataracts

• Result from eye injuries, appearing immediately or years later.
• Signs: Sudden or gradual vision loss in the injured eye, distorted vision, increased light sensitivity.

• At Envision Optics Panorama, our goal is to maximise visual outcomes and minimise symptom impact through a tailored, conservative management plan, including:
• Annual Monitoring – Regular exams to track cataract progression.
• Symptom-Based Approach – Decisions based on impact on daily life, not just cataract presence.
• Optical Solutions – Prescription lenses and visual aids for optimal clarity.

When Is Cataract Surgery Recommended?

Cataract surgery is a common elective procedure with a high success rate and may be undertaken by an Ophthalmologist at any stage of cataract development. At Envision Optics Panorama, we manage cataract diagnosis conservatively and only refer to ophthalmologists for surgery when:

• corrective lenses will no longer provide quality visual improvement;
• difficulties in daily activities arise due to worsening symptoms;
• visual acuity with best optical correction falls below 50% (or 30% for public health referrals).

Schedule your personalised visual assessment with Envision Optics Panorama.