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Cataract2022-03-07T09:47:06+00:00

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in your eye, which causes blurred vision

You can easily restore your vision AND remove your dependence on glasses with cataract surgery

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in your eye, which causes blurred vision

You can easily restore your vision AND remove your dependence on glasses with cataract surgery

You can’t reverse cataract development

However, millions of patients can now see clearly after cataract surgery

Restore your vision and enjoy more colour and clarity

Discover more about this condition and how to treat it

Cataract incidence / prevalence

  • Cataracts are a very common condition of the eye, caused by the lens in your eye turning cloudy.
  • Cataracts typically develop slowly over time and affect people over the age of 50.
  • Occasionally infants can have congenital cataracts.

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in your eye, which causes blurred vision.

If you’ve been diagnosed with cataracts, or you suspect you may have a cataract, there’s no need to worry. They are very common and occur naturally with age. They are also very easily treated.

The symptoms

A cataract is not a visible film on the outside of the eye. You may not even be aware that it is developing, as they usually develop over time.

Common symptoms include:

  • Deterioration of your distance and reading vision
  • Hazy, fuzzy, blurred or double vision
  • Increased sensitivity to light and glare
  • Difficulty driving at night
  • Little improvement in vision, even with stronger glasses

Cataracts occur naturally due to the ageing of the eye, and diagnosis in adults over 40 is quite normal. They can also sometimes occur in infants and children as a congenital defect.

Normally, the lens at the front of the eye focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye, creating a sharp image. When the lens becomes cloudy, the light can’t pass through freely, which is why your vision becomes blurred.

Contrary to popular belief, cataracts are not caused by overuse of the eyes, nor can they be made worse by using the eyes.

Compare the two images below:
Normal eye
Cataract eye

As a cataract forms, the lens becomes opaque and light cannot easily be transmitted to the retina.

Our ophthalmologist can easily assess and diagnose cataracts.

We use eye drops to dilate the pupils and then use an instrument called a slit lamp which provides lighting and magnification to detect the eye’s lens where cataracts develop.

Fortunately, cataract operations are now faster and safer than ever.

Thanks to the pioneering no-stitch surgical techniques we use at Eye Institute, there’s no need to stay overnight in the hospital. In fact, you could be home within an hour of your cataract surgery.

Not all cataracts require treatment, but if your vision is affected to the point where it interferes with your work or lifestyle, you should consider surgery. It makes a huge difference.

Will I be awake during surgery?

Yes. We perform cataract surgery using either local or topical anaesthetic only.

Does cataract surgery hurt?

There is little to no pain during cataract surgery. We will anaesthetise the eye using local anaesthetic or anaesthetic drops.

When are cataracts bad enough to get cataract surgery?

If you are struggling with blurred vision or experiencing bothersome vision problems such as glare and halos, it may be time to discuss your treatment options with an eye specialist.

Fix your cataracts AND read again without glasses or contacts

As we age, many people find reading glasses frustrating and start to notice a cloudiness in their vision that was not there before. Book an appointment today and discover how you could make your eyes feel 10 to 20 years younger!

Fix your cataracts AND read again without glasses or contacts

As we age, many people find reading glasses frustrating and start to notice a cloudiness in their vision that was not there before. Book an appointment today and discover how you could make your eyes feel 10 to 20 years younger!

Book an appointment
Is your vision getting cloudy, blurry and dull?

Choose the option below that sounds most like you to discover your best solution

I have cataracts and want them removed

While cataracts are a natural part of the ageing process, you’d like to be rid of your cataracts so you can brighten up your dull and cloudy vision again.

Discover an option that restores your vision to how it looked before you got cataracts.

LEARN MORE

I have cataracts AND find glasses an inconvenience

Cataracts are a natural part of the ageing process. But, as they progress your vision worsens and your glasses become ineffective. Discover an option that not only treats cataracts but could remove your dependence on glasses too!

LEARN MORE

We are proud to be associated with top quality private medical insurers

Give us a call to understand how your insurance can help cover your treatment

Fix your cataracts and even read again without glasses in 3 easy steps

Cataract treatment options can be confusing. We’ve made the journey as straightforward as can be

Get in touch

The first step is to assess your cataracts to get a clear answer on which cataract treatment options (like the option to restore your reading vision) will suit you best. Give our friendly team a call on 0800 99 2020

We’ll meet

At your assessment, we’ll answer your questions and give you a clear and honest recommendation based on your visual needs and lifestyle. You’ll leave with a confident understanding of the best treatment option for your unique eyes.

Regain your freedom

People often tell us how thrilled they are by the restored clarity of their vision. Those that also choose the option to restore their reading vision, tell us how young they feel now that they can read again without glasses.

Watch the best patient education videos on refractive cataract surgery in New Zealand

Get a quick overview of everything you need to know about gaining visual freedom

Additional resources on refractive cataract surgery

Learn more about refractive cataract surgery from authoritative sources.

At a glance: Cataracts

Early Symptoms: None
Later Symptoms: Blurry vision, colors that seem faded, sensitivity to light, trouble seeing at night, double vision
Diagnosis: Dilated eye exam
Treatment: Surgery

Click here to read more.

Inside our eyes, we have a natural lens. The lens bends (refracts) light rays that come into the eye to help us see. The lens should be clear, like the top lens in the illustration.

If you have a cataract, your lens has become cloudy, like the bottom lens in the illustration. It is like looking through a foggy or dusty car windshield. Things look blurry, hazy or less colorful with a cataract. Click here to read more.

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