{"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":"2025-08-07T23:01:04","modified_gmt":"2025-08-07T21:01:04","slug":"incipient-cataract-symptoms-and-treatment-everything-you-need-to-know-as-a-cataract-sufferer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/eyelaser.at\/en\/incipient-cataract-symptoms-and-treatment-everything-you-need-to-know-as-a-cataract-sufferer\/","title":{"rendered":"Incipient cataract symptoms and treatment: everything you need to know as a cataract sufferer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The onset of 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 <strong>the onset of a cataract<\/strong> <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How the <strong>diagnosis<\/strong> is made <strong>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<\/strong> your own <strong>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>. 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\"><strong>The onset of 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 clouding of the <strong>lens<\/strong> in <strong>cataracts<\/strong> develops <strong>gradually<\/strong>. Unlike acute <strong>eye diseases<\/strong> such as <strong>glaucoma<\/strong>, cataracts <strong>do not<\/strong> cause <strong>any pain<\/strong> &#8211; and visual performance decreases so gradually that the change is often only noticed late. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Particularly insidious: those affected unconsciously get used to their &#8220;new vision&#8221;. Only when the <strong>clouded lens<\/strong> significantly reduces <strong>visual acuity<\/strong> or impairs activities such as reading, watching TV or driving is the <strong>eye specialist<\/strong> consulted &#8211; often later than would be ideal. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore, anyone who <strong>notices<\/strong> one or more of the <strong>symptoms<\/strong> mentioned above should have <strong>cataracts diagnosed at an early stage<\/strong>. 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\"><strong>Cataracts<\/strong> cause a <strong>slow clouding of the lens of the eye<\/strong> &#8211; a clear, elastic structure directly behind the <strong>pupil<\/strong>. The <strong>lens structure<\/strong> changes as a result of 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>: protein molecules clump together and the lens loses its transparency &#8211; it becomes <strong>cloudy<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This <strong>clouding<\/strong> allows less light to pass through to <strong>the retina<\/strong> and affects the <strong>quality of vision<\/strong>: contrasts fade, colors appear duller and seeing against the light becomes more difficult. In the early stages, this is hardly noticeable &#8211; but if left untreated, the <strong>clouding of the lens<\/strong> can permanently <strong>impair<\/strong> <strong>vision<\/strong> or even <strong>lead<\/strong> to <strong>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 easier and more successful the <strong>treatment<\/strong> will be. A visit to the <strong>ophthalmologist<\/strong> is particularly advisable if the <strong>visual acuity<\/strong> changes, the image appears blurred or there is <strong>sensitivity to glare<\/strong>. Even if new glasses no longer bring any improvement, this may be an indication that <strong>the lens<\/strong> is beginning to <strong>cloud<\/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<\/strong> appropriate <strong>treatment 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> will carry out a targeted examination. This includes <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Visual acuity test<\/strong>: Determines whether <strong>visual performance<\/strong> has decreased<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Slit lamp examination<\/strong>: The <strong>lens of the eye<\/strong> is viewed directly with a special microscope &#8211; early <strong>opacities<\/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<\/strong> have been <strong>diagnosed<\/strong>, the next steps are discussed with the patient &#8211; for example, whether an <strong>operation<\/strong> is necessary or whether the progression can be monitored initially. <\/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 decisive factor is the correct assessment: <strong>how far has the lens opacity 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 strongly the symptoms affect everyday life and how quickly the <strong>clouding of the lens<\/strong> progresses.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Observation or surgery &#8211; what do specialists advise?  <\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most <strong>ophthalmologists<\/strong> recommend <strong>cataract surgery<\/strong> if your <strong>vision<\/strong> deteriorates noticeably in everyday life &#8211; for example when <strong>reading<\/strong>, <strong>driving<\/strong> or <strong>working at a computer screen<\/strong>. The <strong>procedure<\/strong> is minimally invasive, is 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 restrictions, the progression can initially be <strong>monitored<\/strong>. Regular check-ups are important in order to detect changes at an early stage. Surgery is recommended if:  <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Visual performance<\/strong> decreases 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> decreases<\/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<\/strong> with an <strong>artificial lens<\/strong>. In many cases today, a modern, <strong>laser-assisted method<\/strong>is used &#8211; precise, safe and gentle. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Laser cataract surgery<\/strong> (e.g. with the <strong>femtosecond laser<\/strong>) is possible:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A <strong>precise incision in the cornea<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Precise <strong>dissection of the opaque 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 drip anesthesia) and only takes a few minutes per eye. Many patients report <strong>significantly improved vision<\/strong> on the following day. <\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which lenses can help you see better<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In addition to the classic <strong>monofocal lens<\/strong>, which enables sharp vision at a distance (usually into the 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 distance and near vision &#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>corneal curvature<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The choice of <strong>artificial lens<\/strong> is made together with the <strong>ophthalmologist<\/strong> and depends on the <strong>individual&#8217;s 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>surgically removing the clouded lens<\/strong>.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So if you want to <strong>see clearly<\/strong> in the long term, there is no way around <strong>cataract surgery<\/strong> &#8211; especially as modern procedures today offer maximum <strong>safety and quality of life<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips for preventing clouding of the lens of the eye or cataracts<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even though <strong>cataracts<\/strong> are an <strong>age-related disease<\/strong> in most cases, 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 the <strong>clouding of the lens of the eye<\/strong> &#8211; long before the first <strong>symptoms<\/strong> appear. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These tips help to reduce the risk:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>UV protection<\/strong>: Always wear <strong>sunglasses with a UV filter<\/strong> when out in the sun to protect <strong>the lens of your 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 check-ups at the ophthalmologist<\/strong>: this way, incipient <strong>changes<\/strong> can be <strong>detected at an early stage<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Check 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>lens opacification<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reduce eye strain<\/strong>: Sufficient breaks from screen work and good lighting relieve eye strain.<\/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}]}}