Cataracts
Cataracts are a common eye condition in which the eye’s natural lens gradually becomes cloudy. This reduces the amount of light entering the eye, causing vision to gradually become blurry, dim, or hazy. Cataracts usually develop slowly and become more common with age.
Typical symptoms include blurred vision, increased sensitivity to glare, impaired vision in low light or at night, and the sensation of seeing through a veil. Frequent changes in prescription strength can also be a sign.
Common symptoms
- Blurred, dim, or hazy vision
- Increased sensitivity to glare, especially in backlighting or at night
- Poorer vision at dusk
- Altered color perception
- Frequent adjustments to eyeglass prescriptions
- Blurred vision while reading, driving, or going about daily activities
Cataracts
Possible causes
- The natural aging process of the eye lens
- Genetic predisposition
- Metabolic disorders such as diabetes
- Long-term use of certain medications
- Eye injuries or previous eye surgeries
- Intense UV exposure
Diagnosis and Treatment
An eye exam can determine whether there is clouding of the lens and to what extent vision is impaired. During the exam, visual acuity, the lens, the retina, and other eye structures are carefully assessed.
In the early stages, prescription glasses or better lighting can provide temporary relief. If cataracts begin to significantly interfere with daily life, surgery may be recommended. During the procedure, the clouded lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens.
Cataract Surgery
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Cataract surgery is a common and well-established procedure in ophthalmology. During the procedure, the clouded natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens. The goal is to improve vision and enhance quality of life in everyday activities.
The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. Before the surgery, the eye is carefully examined and the appropriate intraocular lens is selected on an individual basis.
Procedure
- Initial examination and consultation
- Eye Examination
- Outpatient procedure under local anesthesia
- Removal of the cloudy lens
- Implantation of a clear artificial lens
- Follow-up visits at the ophthalmologist's office
Potential benefits
- Clearer and brighter vision
- Less sensitivity to glare
- Improved visual acuity in everyday life
- Better reading, driving, and working
- Often less reliance on glasses
After the surgery
After the surgery, the eye is treated with eye drops and monitored regularly. The eye should be rested during the first few days. Vision often improves quickly, but may continue to stabilize over the course of several days to weeks.
Surgery is recommended if cataracts significantly impair vision and daily life. The right time for surgery is determined on an individual basis in consultation with your ophthalmologist.
What you can do yourself
- Have regular eye exams
- Have changes in your vision checked out early on
- Wear sunglasses that are suitable for bright conditions
- Ensure good lighting for reading and working
- Have your prescription checked regularly
- If you have diabetes, make sure your blood sugar is well controlled
When is an evaluation recommended?
It is advisable to see an eye doctor if your vision becomes increasingly blurry, if glare is bothersome, or if everyday activities such as reading, driving, or working at a computer screen become more difficult.
Cataracts are easily treatable. The key is to determine the right time for treatment on an individual basis and to examine the eyes carefully.
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Common Eye Problems and Conditions
Our eyes are put under a lot of strain every day. Symptoms such as dry, red, or tired eyes, blurred vision, pain, or a sudden decline in vision should be taken seriously and evaluated by an ophthalmologist. Many eye conditions can now be detected early and treated effectively—timely diagnosis is key.
Preventive Care & Eye Exams – Regular Checkups and Early Detection
Regular eye exams help detect changes in the eye at an early stage—often before symptoms become noticeable. Conditions such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts, in particular, often develop gradually.
Poor eyesight
Refractive errors are among the most common reasons for visiting an ophthalmologist. They occur when light is not focused precisely on the retina. Depending on the type of refractive error, vision may be blurry up close, far away, or in both ranges. The most common types include:
- Nearsightedness / Myopia: Clear up close, blurry at a distance
- Farsightedness / Hyperopia: Distance vision is usually better, while near vision is blurry
- Astigmatism: distorted or blurry vision
- Presbyopia: difficulty reading and seeing up close starting around age 40
Refractive errors can usually be corrected effectively with glasses, contact lenses, or other methods.
Dry eyes
Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common eye conditions and is caused by insufficient lubrication of the eye’s surface. Thanks to simple and effective treatment approaches, most patients can find relief quickly. Treating dry eye is an important part of our work, and we always tailor our care to the individual needs of each patient.
Vision problems & sudden vision loss
Vision problems can have many causes—ranging from harmless, temporary issues to serious eye conditions. In particular, a sudden decline in vision should always be evaluated by an ophthalmologist as soon as possible, as prompt treatment is crucial in some cases.
Cataracts
Cataracts, medically known as cataracts, are a natural ageing process that causes the natural lens of the eye to become cloudy. This clouding can impair vision and requires expert assessment and surgical treatment.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that affects the optic nerve. It is often caused by increased intraocular pressure, which can damage the optic nerve over time and lead to loss of vision if left untreated. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent potential blindness.
Macular degeneration
Macular degeneration refers to a group of diseases that affect the macula - a crucial area of the retina that is responsible for central vision.
This region allows us to see fine details such as letters when reading, faces, colors and more. The most common form is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which can occur in dry and wet forms.
In addition, certain factors such as diabetes, circulatory disorders of the retina or severe short-sightedness can increase the risk of macular diseases.
Corneal diseases
Corneal diseases affect the clear front layer of the eye and can significantly impair vision.
Common forms include:
- Keratitis: inflammation of the cornea, often accompanied by redness, pain, and blurred vision
- Keratoconus: Thinning and deformation of the cornea
- Corneal dystrophies: mostly genetically caused opacities
- Changes associated with dry eye: superficial damage caused by insufficient lubrication
- Age-related changes: for example, corneal guttata or Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy
An accurate diagnosis is important for determining the appropriate treatment and preserving vision as much as possible.
Eyelid Disorders
Eyelid disorders include various types of inflammation, deformities, and changes in the eyelids. These include styes, chalazia, blepharitis, contact allergies, drooping eyelids, ptosis, eyelid deformities, and benign or malignant changes in the eyelids.
Retinal laser
Retinal laser treatment is used to specifically treat pathological changes in the retina—such as retinal holes, retinal tears, or vascular changes associated with diabetes. The goal is to stabilize the retina, prevent further damage, and preserve vision as much as possible.
YAG capsulotomy for posterior capsule opacification
After cataract surgery, vision may gradually deteriorate again. A common cause is what is known as a secondary cataract. This occurs when the posterior lens capsule—which remains in the eye after surgery and helps stabilize the artificial lens—becomes cloudy.
Dr. med. (I) Avraham Dishy
FMH specialist in ophthalmology and eye surgery
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