Understanding Canada’s most common cause of vision loss

Dr. Ian Scholfield, Optometry Partner at Specsavers Woodgrove Centre, shares helpful facts about one of Canada’s
most common eyecare concerns and why regular exams matter.

Fact 1: Cataracts are a common age-related condition

Cataracts are a natural age-related change that typically begin to develop in our 50’s & 60’s, progressing gradually.  They occur when cloudy patches develop in the clear lens inside your eye, stopping light from reaching the back of the eye and causing blurred or misty vision.

UV exposure, smoking, diabetes, eye injuries, genetics, and certain medications can also all play a role in their formation.

Fact 2: You may have cataracts but no symptoms

Cataracts usually develop slowly over many years, so you may not notice symptoms at first. That’s why regular eye exams are your best chance of early detection.

“Over time, patients mention they experience a glare driving at night or notice that daily activities such as reading can feel more difficult,” Dr. Scholfield explains.

Some additional symptoms of cataracts may include blurry, foggy or double vision and trouble seeing in low or very bright lighting.

Fact 3: Regular eye exams are important

Regular eye exams are essential for monitoring eye health. A 3D scan – known as optimal coherence tomography or OCT – can help your optometrist better assess the health of your eyes and detect other causes that may be contributing to visual impairment in addition to cataracts.

When diagnosed during a routine eye exam, cataracts aren’t usually a cause for immediate concern. In fact, many people are relieved to learn their vision changes have a cause and that it’s treatable. 

For most adults aged 20 to 64, a comprehensive eye exam every two years is recommended, though your optometrist may recommend more frequent visits depending on your health. Once you reach 65, it’s important to make an eye exam a yearly habit. 

Fact 4: There is a cure that’s low risk and effective

Most cataracts will eventually need surgery to replace the clouded lens and help restore clear vision once the condition begins to significantly affect daily life.

Recovery usually takes a few weeks and prescription eye drops are often issued to help promote healing. As vision is temporarily affected, it’s common to operate on one eye at a time.

As your vision should improve after surgery, it’s most likely that your old prescription glasses will no longer work for your eyes. That’s why it’s so important to book an eye test with your optometrist post-surgery so that you can get a new pair of glasses with an updated prescription.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see the smile on a patient’s face at their post-surgery appointment,” says Dr Scholfield. “A lot of patients report significant visual and psychological benefits to their lives after surgery.”

Cataracts are a natural part of aging. Scheduling regular eye exams will help your optometrist stay ahead of changes in your vision. If the condition begins to impact daily vision, cataract surgery is a safe and, in most instances, a highly effective way to restore vision.