“You just updated your glasses prescription… but things still look blurry.” Sound familiar?
You might be blaming your glasses, your screen time, or even your age. But for many people over 50, blurry vision could be something else entirely — cataracts. It’s one of the most common age-related eye conditions, yet it often creeps in so gradually that people don’t notice until it really starts affecting their day-to-day life.
The good news? Cataracts are treatable. Even better, they’re detectable long before they impact your vision significantly — but only if you know what to look for and get regular eye check-ups.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about cataracts in a way that’s easy to understand, even if you’ve never heard the word “cataract” before today.
What are Cataracts?
Anyone can develop cataracts, but the risk goes up as you age.
Most people will start to experience some degree of lens clouding after the age of 40. However, noticeable symptoms usually appear in your 50s, 60s, or 70s. It’s not just about age, though. There are several factors that can speed things up:
Sunlight (UV Exposure): Too much exposure to sunlight without protection can damage the lens over time.
Smoking: Cigarettes increase the rate of oxidation in your body, including your eyes.
Diabetes: High blood sugar can change the structure of the lens.
Genetics: If your parents or siblings had cataracts, you might get them earlier too.
Medications: Long-term use of certain steroids can increase your risk.
Eye Injuries or Surgeries: Past trauma to the eye can cause early cataracts.
So while age is the most common factor, lifestyle and health conditions also play a role.
Early Signs to Watch For
Cataracts often develop slowly. Many people don’t realise they have them until it starts affecting their daily activities. Here are some common signs:
Blurry or cloudy vision: Even with updated glasses.
Glare or halos: Lights seem too bright or surrounded by a halo, especially at night.
Faded colours: Everything seems duller or has a yellowish tint.
Frequent glasses changes: If your prescription keeps changing but your vision isn’t improving, that’s a red flag.
Double vision in one eye: Not always, but it can happen.
The key here is not to ignore these signs. If you experience any of them, it’s time for a proper eye exam.
How an Optometrist Can Help
An optometrist is your first line of defence against cataracts — and other silent vision threats.
Even if you don’t have symptoms yet, regular check-ups from age 40 onwards can help catch cataracts early. Using a special microscope called a slit lamp, your optometrist can see the clouding in your lens long before it becomes a major issue.
They’ll also track changes in your vision and monitor how fast the cataract is progressing. Not all cataracts need surgery right away. Some can be managed with prescription updates and lifestyle tweaks for years.
But when vision affects your daily activities — like reading, driving, or recognising faces — your optometrist will refer you to an eye surgeon for further treatment.
Treatment Options
So you’ve been told you have cataracts. What now?
Early Stages: Monitor and Manage
At first, all you might need is stronger glasses or brighter lighting. Many people live comfortably with early cataracts for years. Regular monitoring ensures your optometrist can catch when it’s time to take the next step.
Later Stages: Cataract Surgery
When cataracts interfere with your quality of life, surgery is the most effective treatment.
Don’t worry — cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest surgeries in the world. It’s done as a day procedure and usually takes less than 30 minutes per eye.
Here’s how it works:
The cloudy lens is removed.
A clear artificial lens (intraocular lens or IOL) is inserted in its place.
There’s no need to worry about glasses being “stuck” inside your eyes — the new lens is soft, flexible, and designed to stay in place permanently. Some people even end up with better vision than they had before the cataract!
Takeaway: Don’t Wait for Vision Loss
Cataracts won’t go away on their own — and they usually don’t show up overnight. But the longer you wait, the more they can affect your life.
The best way to protect your vision is to be proactive:
Book an annual eye exam if you’re over 40
Wear sunglasses outdoors to reduce UV damage
Eat a diet rich in antioxidants (green leafy veggies, fruits, fish)
Quit smoking if you haven’t already
Keep diabetes and high blood pressure under control
Vision is something many people take for granted — until it starts to fade. But the good news is, you don’t have to accept blurry vision as part of ageing.
Book Your Cataract Screening Today
Don’t wait until your vision gets worse. If you’ve noticed blurry vision, glare, or dull colours — or if you’re over 50 and haven’t had an eye exam in over a year — it’s time to take action.
👁️🗨️ Book your appointment now at United Eyecare:
United Optometrist @ Square 2 (Novena MRT🚇)
⏰ Mon-Sun 11.30am – 8pm
📞 63976885
United Eyecare @ Boon Keng MRT🚇
⏰ Mon-Sun 10.30am – 7.30pm
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📞 62978298
