Cataracts are a common eye condition where the natural lens of the eye becomes clouded, impeding clear vision. This cloudiness can cause a decrease in visual acuity and is often described as looking through a foggy or frosty window.
Because cataracts form inside the eye and cannot be seen without a special microscope, the eye’s appearance is not altered, and the individual may not experience any discomfort. The changes caused by cataracts can be so gradual that one may not notice their impact initially.
Cataracts are predominantly age-related but can also result from other factors such as diabetes mellitus, previous eye injuries, or prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light. When a relatively young person has a cataract in just one eye, it is often due to a past eye injury that may have been neglected or forgotten.
Aging is the most common cause of cataracts as the eye’s lens becomes less flexible, thicker, and less transparent over time.
Chronic conditions like diabetes mellitus can increase the risk of cataracts due to changes in the eye’s metabolism.
The long-term use of certain medications, like corticosteroids, has been known to lead to cataract development.
Past trauma or injuries to the eye can disrupt the lens, causing cataracts to form, sometimes years after the incident.
A family history of cataracts can increase the likelihood of developing them.
Long-term smoking habits, excessive alcohol use, and poor diet can contribute to the risk of cataracts.
Prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun can damage the proteins in the lens, resulting in the acceleration of cataract formation.
The progression of cataracts can lead to several symptoms affecting daily activities. Common symptoms include:
As cataracts progress, the lens of the eye becomes increasingly cloudy, leading to blurred or dim vision. This can make it difficult to read, drive, or see fine details, as everything appears hazy, similar to looking through frosted glass.
Cataracts can significantly impair night vision, making it hard to see in low-light conditions. This difficulty is particularly noticeable when driving at night, as headlights and streetlights may appear dimmer or scattered, reducing visibility.
Many people with cataracts experience heightened sensitivity to bright lights, which can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful. This sensitivity is often accompanied by glare, where light sources seem to spread out, making it challenging to focus on what you’re looking at.
Cataracts can cause diffraction of light as it enters the eye, leading to the appearance of halos around light sources, particularly at night. These halos can make it difficult to drive or navigate in the dark, as bright lights can become overwhelming.
As cataracts develop, they can cause frequent changes in your vision, leading to the need for new eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions more often than usual. This frequent need for updates may be an early sign that cataracts are progressing.
Cataracts can cause colours to appear faded or yellowed, as the clouded lens filters light differently. This change in colour perception can make it harder to distinguish between shades, affecting tasks that require accurate colour vision, such as matching clothes or selecting ripe fruit.
In some cases, cataracts can cause double vision in one eye. This phenomenon occurs when light is scattered as it passes through the cloudy lens, creating multiple images of a single object. Double vision can be disorienting and interfere with daily activities like reading and driving.
At Angel Eye & Cataract Centre, we ensure a thorough and precise diagnosis with these three steps:
We begin by assessing your vision clarity using a vision chart, where you’ll be asked to read letters at various distances. This test helps us determine the extent to which cataracts may be affecting your sight.
Next, we conduct an assessment of your current glasses prescription. This step allows us to gauge how much your vision might improve with a new prescription and identify any changes caused by cataracts.
Finally, your pupils will be dilated to allow a comprehensive examination of the eye’s internal structures using a slit lamp. This helps us plan the most effective cataract treatment based on your needs.
While cataract surgery is elective, delaying treatment can have significant consequences for your vision and overall quality of life. Cataracts will not improve on their own and will worsen over time. As the condition advances, daily activities such as driving, reading, and recognising faces become harder, impacting your independence and safety.
There’s no advantage in postponing cataract surgery if your vision is already affected and the prognosis for surgery is good. Age should never be a barrier to seeking treatment—whether you’re in your 50s or 90s, you can benefit from cataract surgery by regaining clear vision.
Senior Cataract Surgeon
BBM, PBM, MBBS (S’pore), MMed (Ophth),
FRCS (Edinburgh), MRCOphth (London), FAMS
Medical Director
Senior Consultant Eye Surgeon
Visiting Consultant @ SNEC
Adjunct A/Professor, Duke-NUS
Dr Allan Fong is a revered figure in ophthalmology with experience in cataract surgery techniques, including the use of premium intraocular lenses. He is also fully certified to perform and train medical professionals in Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS). Prior to AECC, Dr Allan Fong was formerly the Head of Cataract & Comprehensive Ophthalmology Department at SNEC for 9 Years. As a Senior Consultant at our centre, Dr Fong leads the surgical team and ensures that each patient receives a care plan tailored to their unique vision needs. His commitment to patient outcomes and his years of experience in cataract treatment make him a trusted choice for your eye care.
The choice of cataract surgery and the type of IOL is influenced by several factors including the patient’s general eye health, lifestyle needs, and specific visual requirements. It is paramount to have a detailed consultation with Dr Allan Fong to understand your individual visual condition before making an informed decision to undergo cataract surgery.
One-Stop Eye Centre from Diagnosis to Treatment
More Than
CATARACT SURGERIES,
LASIK & OTHER EYE SURGERIES
Years of experience
A revered figure in Ophthalmology with more than 26 years of in-depth experience in cataract management & cataract surgery techniques
Years of service
Awarded the Long Service Award from Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC)
years
Formerly the Head of Cataract & Comprehensive Ophthalmology Department at Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC)
Dr Allan Fong is internationally renowned for his expertise and extensive contributions to the field of eye care.
We utilise FLACS for complex cases and the newest intraocular lenses to ensure optimal results and safety in each procedure.
Dr Allan Fong’s commitment goes beyond treatment where he also make sure to take time to guide his patients through every step of their journey – from consultation to recovery – with professionalism and compassion, ensuring quality outcomes for his patients.
Post-surgical care is crucial to recovery.
Our medical team extends follow-ups to monitor and enhance your vision restoration.
Don’t let cataracts affect the way you live. At Angel Eye & Cataract Centre, we offer comprehensive cataract care tailored to your unique needs. Schedule a consultation or make an enquiry today!
For urgent enquiries and appointment requests, please call or WhatsApp us directly.
