{"id":31211,"date":"2025-06-03T14:55:29","date_gmt":"2025-06-03T12:55:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/incipient-cataract-symptoms-and-treatment-everything-you-need-to-know-as-a-cataract-sufferer\/"},"modified":"2026-10-30T10:05:39","modified_gmt":"2026-10-30T09:05:39","slug":"incipient-cataracts-symptoms-and-treatment-everything-you-need-to-know-as-a-cataract-patient","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/incipient-cataracts-symptoms-and-treatment-everything-you-need-to-know-as-a-cataract-patient\/","title":{"rendered":"Incipient cataracts symptoms and treatment: Everything you need to know as a cataract patient"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The onset of <strong>cataracts<\/strong> often goes unnoticed. The <strong>clouding of the lens of the eye<\/strong> develops gradually, and initial <strong>symptoms<\/strong> such as blurred vision, sensitivity to glare or a gray haze are often dismissed as normal signs of ageing. However, so-called <strong>senile cataract<\/strong> &#8211; an <strong>age-related eye disease<\/strong> &#8211; can be treated well if it is detected early.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this blog you will learn:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What <strong>signs<\/strong> indicate the onset of a <strong>cataract<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How the <strong>diagnosis is made by the ophthalmologist<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>When <strong>cataract surgery<\/strong> is recommended &#8211; and when you can wait and see<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>What <strong>treatment options<\/strong> are available today &#8211; including modern <strong>laser procedures<\/strong> and <strong>artificial lenses<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>And what you can do to prevent <strong>clouding of the lens<\/strong> for as long as possible<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you deal with the <strong>issue of cataracts<\/strong> at an early stage, you can better assess the right time for treatment &#8211; and <strong>preserve your own vision in the long term<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Interpreting the first signs correctly: Suspicion of cataracts?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When your <strong>vision slowly changes<\/strong>, it often seems harmless at first: you reach for your <strong>glasses<\/strong> more often, find bright light unpleasant or struggle to see clearly in the dark. However, these gradual changes can conceal the onset of <strong>cataracts<\/strong> &#8211; medically known as <strong>cataract<\/strong>. Around <strong>90 % of people over the age of 65<\/strong> are affected by cataracts in the course of their lives. This makes it all the more important to <strong>recognize the first symptoms<\/strong> and act in good time.    <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Typical symptoms that indicate the onset of a cataract <\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The onset of <strong>cataracts<\/strong> is often indicated by subtle changes in <strong>vision<\/strong>. Typical <strong>signs<\/strong> are: <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Blurred or &#8220;milky&#8221; vision<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increased <strong>sensitivity to glare<\/strong>, e.g. in the sun or when driving at night<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More frequent <strong>change of glasses<\/strong> without real improvement in <strong>vision<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Color changes<\/strong>, especially paler or yellowish color perception<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Difficulty reading despite good lighting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Double vision<\/strong> in one eye<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why cataracts often start unnoticed <\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>clouding of the lens<\/strong> in <strong>cataracts<\/strong> develops <strong>gradually<\/strong>. Unlike acute <strong>eye diseases<\/strong> such as <strong>glaucoma<\/strong>, cataracts <strong>cause no pain<\/strong> &#8211; and vision deteriorates so gradually that the change is often not noticed until late. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Particularly insidious: Those affected unconsciously get used to the &#8220;new vision&#8221;. It is only when the <strong>clouded lens<\/strong> significantly impairs <strong>visual acuity<\/strong> or affects activities such as reading, watching television or driving that the <strong>ophthalmologist<\/strong> is consulted &#8211; often later than would be optimal. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore: Anyone who <strong>notices one or more of the above symptoms<\/strong> should have the <strong>diagnosis of cataracts<\/strong> clarified early. A targeted examination will quickly provide clarity &#8211; and open up the possibility of starting appropriate <strong>treatment<\/strong> in good time. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What happens in the eye with cataract symptoms <\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With <strong>cataracts<\/strong>, there is a <strong>gradual clouding of the lens of the eye<\/strong> &#8211; a clear, elastic structure directly behind the <strong>pupil<\/strong>. Due to the natural <strong>ageing process<\/strong>, but also due to factors such as <strong>diabetes<\/strong>, <strong>UV radiation<\/strong> or certain <strong>medications<\/strong>, the <strong>lens structure<\/strong> changes: protein molecules clump together, the lens loses its transparency &#8211; it becomes <strong>clouded<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This <strong>clouding<\/strong> allows less light to reach the <strong>retina<\/strong> and affects <strong>visual quality<\/strong>: contrasts fade, colors appear duller, vision in backlight becomes more difficult. In the early stages, this is hardly noticeable &#8211; but if left untreated, <strong>clouding of the lens<\/strong> can permanently <strong>impair<\/strong> <strong>vision<\/strong> or even <strong>lead to blindness<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When should you see an ophthalmologist? <\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Cataracts<\/strong> develop slowly &#8211; but the earlier they are detected, the simpler and more successful the <strong>treatment<\/strong>. A visit to the <strong>ophthalmologist<\/strong> is particularly advisable if <strong>visual acuity<\/strong> changes, the image appears blurred or <strong>sensitivity to glare<\/strong> occurs. Even if new glasses no longer bring any improvement, this can be an indication of incipient <strong>clouding of the lens<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Early detection is crucial &#8211; not only to preserve <strong>vision<\/strong>, but also to <strong>initiate appropriate therapy in good time<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What happens for cataracts to be diagnosed<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If <strong>cataracts<\/strong> are suspected, the <strong>ophthalmologist<\/strong> carries out a targeted examination. This includes: <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Visual acuity test<\/strong>: Determines whether <strong>vision<\/strong> has deteriorated<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Slit lamp examination<\/strong>: The <strong>lens of the eye<\/strong> is examined directly using a special microscope &#8211; even early <strong>clouding<\/strong> can be detected in this way<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Examination of the retina<\/strong>: To rule out other <strong>eye diseases<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Assessment of intraocular pressure<\/strong>: To rule out possible <strong>glaucoma<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The diagnosis is usually made quickly and painlessly. Once <strong>cataracts have been diagnosed<\/strong>, the next steps are discussed together with the patient &#8211; for example, whether <strong>surgery<\/strong> is necessary or whether the progression can initially be monitored. <\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What happens after the diagnosis? <\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The diagnosis of <strong>cataracts<\/strong> is initially worrying for many &#8211; but it is no reason to panic. In most cases, it is an <strong>age-related process<\/strong> that can be treated well. The right assessment is crucial: <strong>How far has the clouding of the lens already progressed?<\/strong> And <strong>how severely is vision actually impaired?<\/strong>  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The next steps depend on how much the symptoms affect everyday life and how quickly the <strong>clouding of the lens<\/strong> is progressing.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Monitor or have surgery &#8211; what do specialists advise? <\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If <strong>vision<\/strong> in everyday life &#8211; for example when <strong>reading<\/strong>, <strong>driving<\/strong> or <strong>working at a screen<\/strong> &#8211; noticeably deteriorates, most <strong>ophthalmologists<\/strong> recommend <strong>cataract surgery<\/strong>. The <strong>procedure<\/strong> is minimally invasive, performed on an outpatient basis and is one of the safest procedures in ophthalmology. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In early stages without noticeable impairment, the progression can initially be <strong>monitored<\/strong>. Regular check-ups are important here to detect changes early. Surgery is recommended when:  <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Vision<\/strong> deteriorates significantly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Everyday activities<\/strong> are restricted<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Increasing sensitivity to glare<\/strong> occurs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Contrast vision<\/strong> deteriorates<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>New glasses<\/strong> no longer bring any improvement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Treatment options: How cataracts are treated (cataract surgery with laser) <\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The only effective treatment for <strong>cataracts<\/strong> is <strong>surgery<\/strong>, in which the <strong>clouded lens is removed<\/strong> and <strong>replaced with an artificial lens<\/strong>. At EyeLaser Vienna we remove the clouded lens with <strong>ultrasound (phacoemulsification)<\/strong> through an incision of 2.2 to 2.4 mm. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Cataract surgery with laser<\/strong> usually refers to the <strong>femtosecond laser (FLACS)<\/strong>. A femtosecond laser is not used: according to the recommendations of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS), laser-assisted surgery is equivalent to the manual technique and does not measurably improve the visual acuity achieved. Surgery with ultrasound includes:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A <strong>precise incision in the cornea<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Exact <strong>fragmentation of the clouded lens<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ideal positioning of the <strong>intraocular lens (IOL)<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The procedure is <strong>outpatient<\/strong>, painless (usually under topical anesthesia) and takes only a few minutes per eye. Many patients report <strong>significantly better vision<\/strong> as early as the following day. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which lenses can help with better vision<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to the classic <strong>monofocal lens<\/strong>, which enables sharp vision at one distance (usually distance), there are now modern <strong>premium lenses<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Multifocal lenses<\/strong>: Allow good vision at distance and near &#8211; often without glasses<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>EDOF lenses (Extended Depth of Focus)<\/strong>: Optimize the transition between different distances<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Toric lenses<\/strong>: Additionally correct <strong>astigmatism<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The selection of the <strong>artificial lens<\/strong> is made together with the <strong>ophthalmologist<\/strong> and depends on <strong>individual visual needs<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can glasses or contact lenses cure cataracts? <\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In short: <strong>No.<\/strong> <strong>Glasses or contact lenses<\/strong> can temporarily compensate for the symptoms of incipient <strong>cataracts<\/strong> &#8211; for example in the case of <strong>reduced visual acuity<\/strong>. However, they <strong>do not correct the clouding of the lens of the eye<\/strong>. The <strong>cataract<\/strong> itself can only be treated by <strong>surgical removal of the clouded lens<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So anyone who wants to <strong>see clearly<\/strong> permanently cannot avoid <strong>cataract surgery<\/strong> &#8211; especially as modern procedures today offer the highest <strong>safety and quality of life<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips to prevent clouding of the lens of the eye or cataracts<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even though <strong>cataracts<\/strong> are in most cases an <strong>age-related disease<\/strong>, their development can be <strong>delayed<\/strong> through a healthy lifestyle and targeted measures. This is because certain <strong>risk factors<\/strong> such as UV radiation, metabolic diseases or malnutrition can promote <strong>clouding of the lens of the eye<\/strong> &#8211; and this long before the first <strong>symptoms<\/strong> appear. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These tips help reduce the risk:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>UV protection<\/strong>: Consistently wear <strong>sunglasses with UV filter<\/strong> in the sun to protect the <strong>lens of the eye<\/strong> from harmful radiation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Healthy diet<\/strong>: Focus on <strong>vitamin C, E, lutein and omega-3 fatty acids<\/strong> &#8211; for example in green vegetables, nuts, fish and berries.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Avoid smoking<\/strong>: Nicotine promotes <strong>oxidation in the lens<\/strong> and significantly increases the risk of <strong>cataracts<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Regular preventive examinations with an ophthalmologist<\/strong>: This way, incipient <strong>changes can be detected early<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Monitor blood sugar and blood pressure<\/strong>: Diseases such as <strong>diabetes<\/strong> or <strong>high blood pressure<\/strong> are considered <strong>possible causes<\/strong> of accelerated <strong>clouding of the lens<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reduce eye strain<\/strong>: Sufficient breaks when working at a screen and good lighting relieve the strain on the eyes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The onset of cataracts often goes unnoticed. The clouding of the lens of the eye develops gradually, and initial symptoms&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":30940,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-31211","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-grauer-star-en"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31211","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31211"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31211\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/30940"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31211"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31211"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31211"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}