- Medically Reviewed by Mr Mfazo Hove Consultant Ophthalmologist
- Author: Chris Dunnington
- Published: April 10, 2025
Cataracts are one of the most common eye conditions, particularly as we age, and they can significantly impact your vision and quality of life. At Blue Fin Vision®, primarily located on Harley Street in London, we specialise in diagnosing and treating cataracts to help our patients regain clear vision. In this article, we’ll explore what cataracts are, their causes, symptoms, and treatment options – helping you understand when it’s time to seek professional care.
What Are Cataracts?
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in your eye. The lens sits behind the iris (the coloured part of your eye) and is normally clear, allowing light to pass through and focus on the retina at the back of the eye. When a cataract develops, the lens becomes cloudy due to changes in its structure, preventing light from passing through effectively. This results in blurred or misty vision.
Cataracts can affect one or both eyes, although they often develop at different rates in each eye. They are not a film or growth over the eye but rather an internal change within the lens itself.
What Causes Cataracts?
Cataracts are primarily caused by ageing, but several factors can contribute to their development:
- Ageing: Most people begin to develop cataracts after the age of 65 due to natural changes in the lens structure.
- Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes are at higher risk of developing cataracts earlier.
- Eye Injuries: Trauma to the eye can lead to cataract formation in the affected eye.
- Medications: Long-term use of steroids can increase the likelihood of cataracts.
- Other Eye Conditions: Conditions such as glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, or uveitis may contribute to cataract development.
- High Myopia: Severe short-sightedness is another risk factor.
- Congenital Cataracts: Some children are born with cataracts due to genetic factors or developmental issues.
While these factors can increase your risk, cataracts are a natural part of ageing for most people.
Symptoms of Cataracts
Cataracts develop gradually, and early symptoms may be subtle. As they progress, you may notice:
- Blurred or cloudy vision that feels like looking through frosted glass or cling film.
- Increased sensitivity to light and glare, especially from car headlights or bright sunlight.
- Colours appearing faded or yellowed.
- Difficulty seeing clearly at night or in low-light conditions.
- Double vision in one eye (monocular diplopia).
- Frequent changes in your glasses prescription that don’t seem to improve vision clarity.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule an eye examination with an expert ophthalmologist.
How Are Cataracts Diagnosed?
At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic, we use advanced diagnostic tools to assess your vision and detect cataracts:
- Comprehensive Eye Exam: Includes visual acuity tests and assessments of your overall eye health.
- Slit-Lamp Examination: Allows detailed examination of the structures inside your eye, including the lens and retina.
- Dilated Eye Exam: Provides a clearer view of the back of your eye for comprehensive evaluation.
These tests help us determine whether cataracts are affecting your vision and guide us in recommending appropriate treatment options.
Treatment Options for Cataracts
Cataract Surgery
The only effective treatment for cataracts is cataract surgery, which involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). This procedure is safe, quick, and highly successful in restoring clear vision.
How Does Cataract Surgery Work?
- A small incision is made in the cornea.
- The cloudy lens is broken up using ultrasound waves (phacoemulsification) and removed.
- An artificial lens is inserted into the capsule where the natural lens was housed.
Most patients notice significant improvements in their vision within days after surgery.
Premium Lens Options
At Blue Fin Vision®, we offer premium IOLs that can enhance your vision beyond just restoring clarity:
- Monofocal Lenses: Provide clear distance vision; glasses may still be needed for reading.
- Trifocal Lenses: Offer sharp vision at near, intermediate, and far distances.
- Extended Depth-of-Focus (EDOF) Lenses: Provide seamless transitions between distances with minimal visual disturbances.
Our specialists will help you choose the best lens based on your lifestyle needs.
Why Choose Blue Fin Vision® for Cataract Surgery?
At Blue Fin Vision®, we combine expertise with state-of-the-art technology to deliver exceptional care:
- Expert Surgeons: Our Harley Street clinic is home to some of London’s leading ophthalmologists specialising in cataract surgery.
- Advanced Technology: We use cutting-edge equipment for precise diagnosis and treatment.
- Personalised Care: Every patient receives tailored recommendations based on their unique needs.
- Convenient Locations: With clinics in London, Essex, and Hertfordshire, accessing expert care has never been easier.
When Should You Seek Treatment?
Cataracts can be treated at any stage of development – there’s no need to wait for them to “ripen.” If your daily activities like reading, driving, or watching television are being affected by blurry vision, it’s time to consider surgery.
Delaying treatment won’t permanently damage your eyes but may lead to increasing difficulty with everyday tasks. Early intervention often results in quicker recovery and better outcomes.
Conclusion
Cataracts are a common yet treatable condition that can significantly impact your quality of life if left unaddressed. At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic on Harley Street in London, we specialise in helping patients regain their independence through expert diagnosis and advanced surgical techniques.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of cataracts or have been advised by your optometrist to seek treatment, contact us today to schedule a consultation with our expert team.
Don’t let cloudy vision hold you back – trust Blue Fin Vision® for exceptional care and life-changing results! Clearer sight is just an appointment away.
