Understanding cataracts

What is a cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens, the clear structure that helps focus light onto the retina. As the lens becomes cloudy, vision gradually turns blurry, hazy or less colourful. Cataracts most often develop slowly with age, though they can also form earlier due to injury, certain medications, diabetes or prolonged UV exposure.

Common symptoms

• Blurry, cloudy or dim vision
• Increased sensitivity to glare, especially from headlights at night
• Colours appearing faded or yellowed
• Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescription
• Difficulty seeing well at night

When does surgery become necessary?

Not every cataract needs immediate surgery. In the early stages, a change in glasses prescription or better lighting may be enough. Surgery is generally recommended once the cataract starts interfering with daily activities — reading, driving, recognising faces or working comfortably.

There is no medical benefit to waiting once vision is significantly affected; cataracts do not resolve on their own, and delaying treatment only prolongs reduced quality of life.

What modern cataract surgery looks like

Cataract surgery today is typically done as phacoemulsification — a small-incision procedure that removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear intraocular lens (IOL). Dr. Abir performs an injection-free, bandage-free, topical anaesthesia approach in appropriately selected patients, which allows for a more comfortable procedure and faster visual recovery for many patients.

Key takeaway

A cataract diagnosis isn't an emergency, but it is worth having your vision assessed regularly so treatment can be planned at the right time — before it meaningfully affects your daily life.