Cataracts are the leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide, affecting more than half of all Australians over the age of 65 to some degree. Despite being extremely common, many people don't know what cataracts are, or that their optometrist is the first person to detect and monitor them — often years before surgery is needed.
What Is a Cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye. The lens sits behind the pupil and is responsible for focusing light onto the retina. When it becomes cloudy, light scatters rather than focusing clearly, causing progressive blurring of vision.
Most cataracts develop slowly due to the natural ageing process. The proteins in the lens gradually clump together, creating opaque patches that worsen over years. However, cataracts can also be caused by UV exposure, diabetes, steroid medications, previous eye injury, or less commonly, can be present from birth.
Symptoms of Cataracts
- Blurred or foggy vision, as if looking through frosted glass
- Increased sensitivity to glare, particularly with oncoming headlights at night
- Colours appearing faded or yellowed
- Needing brighter light for reading
- Frequent changes in glasses prescription
- “Second sight” — a temporary improvement in near vision as the cataract changes the lens shape
- Double vision in one eye
Your Optometrist's Role
During a comprehensive eye examination at Prime Optometrists Auburn, we examine the lens carefully using our slit lamp biomicroscope and retinal imaging. We can detect cataracts at their earliest stages, classify their type and location, and monitor their progression over time.
When a cataract is first detected, surgery is rarely needed immediately. Many people live comfortably for years with a developing cataract, managing with updated glasses and good lighting. We will discuss with you when the right time to refer to an ophthalmologist for surgical assessment is — generally when the cataract is significantly affecting daily activities like driving, reading, or recognising faces.
Reducing Your Risk
- Wear quality UV-blocking sunglasses outdoors (prescription or non-prescription)
- Manage diabetes carefully — blood sugar control directly impacts cataract risk
- Regular eye tests allow early detection and monitoring
- Avoid prolonged steroid use where alternatives exist (discuss with your GP)
If you are over 50, or have a family history of cataracts, or are noticing any of the symptoms above, book an eye test at Prime Optometrists Auburn. We bulk bill under Medicare for eligible patients. Call (02) 9761 0005 or book online.