As we age, many of us notice that our vision isn’t as sharp as it once was. Reading the fine print becomes a struggle, night driving feels more difficult, and glare from lights can be overwhelming. These symptoms may signal common age-related eye conditions such as cataracts or astigmatism—but how do you know which one you’re dealing with?
At DRHC Dubai, our goal is to help you understand the root of your vision problems and guide you toward effective, personalized treatment.
Cataracts occur when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, usually due to aging or long-term exposure to UV light. This cloudiness blocks light from passing clearly through the lens, resulting in a gradual decline in vision. Cataracts can affect one or both eyes and tend to progress over time if untreated.
Cataracts are not painful and develop slowly, often going unnoticed in the early stages. However, as they progress, they can significantly impair daily activities like reading, driving, or recognizing faces.
Astigmatism is a refractive error caused by an uneven curvature of the cornea or lens. Instead of being round like a basketball, the surface of the eye is shaped more like a football. This causes light entering the eye to focus at multiple points rather than a single point on the retina, resulting in distorted or blurred vision.
Unlike cataracts, astigmatism often starts earlier in life but may worsen with age. It can exist alone or alongside other refractive errors like nearsightedness or farsightedness.
While both conditions impact your vision, the causes are quite different. Cataracts are a physical change in the lens itself, usually due to aging. Astigmatism is more structural, caused by the shape of the cornea or lens.
Cataracts typically require surgical intervention when they begin affecting quality of life. Astigmatism, on the other hand, is usually managed with glasses, contact lenses, or laser vision correction such as LASIK. In cases where both conditions are present, advanced treatments can be combined—for instance, toric intraocular lenses can correct astigmatism during cataract surgery.
Ignoring blurry or changing vision can lead to greater complications down the road. Cataracts left untreated can lead to significant vision loss or even blindness. Astigmatism that is not corrected can result in chronic headaches and poor visual performance, especially while driving or reading.
In older adults, vision impairment is also linked to an increased risk of falls, injuries, and reduced quality of life. Regular eye check-ups become even more crucial as you age.
At DRHC Dubai, our eye specialists use the latest diagnostic tools to assess your vision thoroughly. Your comprehensive eye exam may include:
Based on the results, we’ll explain your condition in detail and recommend the most suitable treatment options.
We offer advanced treatments for both cataracts and astigmatism, including:
While some vision changes are inevitable with age, there are steps you can take to maintain good eye health:
Your vision is essential to living a full, independent life. Whether you’re facing blurry vision from cataracts, struggling with astigmatism, or just not seeing as clearly as before—our expert ophthalmology team at DRHC Dubai is here for you.
We provide compassionate care, advanced technology, and individualized treatment plans to help you enjoy clear, comfortable vision at any age.
Schedule your eye checkup today and let us help you protect your sight.
Call us at +97142798200 or visit www.drhc.ae to book your appointment.