A cataract is a clouding of the eye\’s natural lens, which sits behind the iris and pupil. It is one of the most common causes of vision loss worldwide, yet also one of the most treatable. At Naderk Eye Centre, our ophthalmologists diagnose and manage cataracts at every stage of their development.

Cataracts develop gradually, often going unnoticed in the early stages. Common symptoms include blurry or foggy vision, increased sensitivity to glare, faded colours, poor night vision, and double vision in one eye. Many patients also find themselves needing frequent changes to their glasses prescription.

Key risk factors include advancing age, diabetes, prolonged UV sunlight exposure, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain medications such as corticosteroids. Although ageing is the most frequent cause, cataracts can also affect younger individuals and, rarely, children from birth.

The definitive treatment for cataracts is surgery. Phacoemulsification — the most widely used technique — uses ultrasound energy to break up and remove the clouded lens, which is then replaced with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and typically takes under 30 minutes per eye.

Recovery is generally smooth. Most patients notice a dramatic improvement in vision within 24 to 48 hours. Our team prescribes medicated eye drops to prevent infection and inflammation, and follow-up appointments are scheduled to ensure safe healing throughout your recovery.

Early detection makes all the difference. If you have noticed any changes in your vision — even subtle ones — we encourage you to book a comprehensive eye examination at Naderk Eye Centre. Identifying a cataract early allows our specialists to monitor its progression and plan the right timing for treatment.