Cataracts can make everyday activities difficult. Anything from reading to driving, or even recognising faces can be more of a challenge when you have this condition. 

This is because cataracts cloud your vision over time. Luckily for us, cataracts are now generally treatable and most people can get a procedure for a cataract cure today. 

If you want to learn more about how cataracts are treated, read on. We explore the options like the latest cataract eye surgery below.

What are cataracts?

To begin with, cataracts are vision problems that arise from clouding in the lens of the eye. This part of the eye is normally clear so that light can pass through it unobstructed. 

The light passing through the lens is a crucial part of how we form images for sight. This is also why clouding in this area hinders clear vision. 

There are many possible causes of cataracts, ranging from lens cell ageing to acute injury. The most common cause is arguably ageing, however. 

In Singapore, cataracts are much more common among people at or past middle age. In fact, about 80% of people over 60 and 95% of people over 70 have cataracts here. 

Cataracts also tend to develop gradually, so they are barely noticeable in their early stages. Most people do not notice them until they have worsened enough to lead to significant vision impairment. 

Cataract treatment options

The treatment for cataracts depends on the patient’s circumstances and the severity of the condition as well as the aim of the patient. 

For example, a person with mild cataracts may be chiefly concerned with addressing the light deterioration in his vision. He may not be ready to go straight to surgery yet for some reason or other. 

If that is the case, he may opt for non-surgical methods that temporarily improve vision until he can decide on the actual surgical treatment. These may include stronger eyeglass prescriptions, anti-glare sunglasses, or even cataract eye drops. 

None of these actually removes the cataract, keep in mind. Only surgical treatment qualifies as an actual cataract cure at the moment.

More stringent clinical trials may be coming on the potential of non-invasive cataract cures for actual cataract removal. But until then, cataract surgery remains the gold standard for most situations.

Surgical options

There is more than one way to do cataract eye surgery. Generally, your eye doctor will assess your case to recommend the one that may be wisest for your situation.

The latest cataract eye surgery procedures cover various options for different cases. Below are the ones worth noting:

1. Advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs)

In traditional cataract surgery, the clouded lens of the eye is replaced by a standard monofocal intraocular lens or IOL. 

These monofocal IOLs are similar to monofocal eyeglasses. Like them, they only offer clear vision at one distance. For other distances, both monofocal IOLs and eyeglasses need other lenses (or glasses, as it were) to correct the person’s vision. 

In modern cataract eye surgery, we now have an option to use advanced IOLs. This means we can insert multifocal as well as toric lenses in a person’s eye today.

This allows us to offer clear vision at different distances even while correcting for issues such as astigmatism. This reduces the patient’s reliance on eyeglasses post-procedure, as the corrections will already be in the IOL.

2. Laser-assisted cataract surgery

Cataract surgery may also be treated with laser assistance now. In this version of the procedure, the surgeon uses lasers to make the incisions for lens removal.

This offers great benefits in precision, which can improve a patient’s visual outcomes. This is especially true for more complex cases where cataract removal would otherwise be highly difficult. 

The laser also helps soften the cataract, so it further eases the process of removing it. This can improve recovery later on.

3. Phacoemulsification

Phacoemulsification is simply the term for a treatment method where ultrasound technology is used to emulsify (soften) the cataract. It typically begins with a minute incision being made in the patient’s cornea.

After that, the surgeon will make use of an ultrasound probe to emulsify the cataract inside the lens. Once it has been emulsified or broken up sufficiently, it can be suctioned out. 

The same incision can then be used to insert a replacement IOL or intraocular lens to replace the removed parts of the person’s lens.

Importance of early detection

No matter which of the cataract surgeries you opt for in treatment, doing it earlier in the cataract’s stages of development is generally better.

This is because cataracts worsen over time. The longer you wait to treat or remove the cataract, the greater the impact on your vision and eye health. 

Fortunately, there are many early detection mechanisms you can take advantage of. The most important of these are arguably paying attention to changes in your vision and getting regular eye exams. 

With routine eye exams, you can easily find the first signs of a cataract. From there, you and your doctor can determine what steps to take next. 

Get screened for cataracts today

On the whole, people suffering from cataracts can rest easy in the knowledge that they will often have treatment options available to them for restoring their vision. However, early detection and treatment remain valuable for better outcomes and quality of life. 

If you suspect you have cataract symptoms or want to ensure that your eye health is good, get a consultation with an eye doctor. Ours can give you the relevant exams or tests to check if all is well with your vision. 

Call us to enquire or book an appointment for a cataract screening today.