Dr. Rami Hamed Medical Blog

What is Cataract and How Does it Affect Your Vision?

Written by Dr. Caroline Therese Paulson | April 24, 2025

Have you noticed your vision becoming blurry or colors looking faded over time? Are you finding it harder to drive at night or read small print even with glasses? You might be experiencing the early signs of a cataract—a very common eye condition, especially as we age.

In this blog, our eye care experts at DRHC Dubai explain everything you need to know about cataracts, how they affect your vision, and the treatment options available to restore clear sight.

What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens inside your eye. The lens is essential for focusing light and producing sharp images. When it becomes cloudy due to a cataract, your vision can appear blurred, foggy, or dim.

Most cataracts develop slowly and don’t disturb your eyesight early on. But over time, they can interfere with daily activities like reading, driving, or recognizing faces.

What Causes Cataracts?

While aging is the most common cause of cataracts, several other factors may contribute:

  • Natural aging of the lens
  • UV radiation exposure without proper eye protection
  • Diabetes and other health conditions
  • Smoking and excessive alcohol use
  • Eye injury or previous eye surgery
  • Prolonged use of steroids
  • Genetic factors (family history)

Common Symptoms of Cataracts

Cataracts can sneak up on you without pain or sudden changes. Watch out for these symptoms:

  • Cloudy, blurry, or dim vision
  • Trouble seeing at night
  • Sensitivity to bright lights or glare
  • Seeing "halos" around lights
  • Faded colors
  • Frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescription
  • Double vision in one eye

If you're experiencing any of the above, it’s time for a thorough eye check-up.

How Do Cataracts Affect Your Vision?

Think of looking through a fogged-up window or a cloudy camera lens—this is how the world may appear when you have a cataract. It can make it difficult to:

  • Read small print or signs
  • Recognize faces
  • Drive at night
  • Enjoy vibrant colors
  • Perform daily tasks that require clear sight

As cataracts progress, they can seriously impact your independence and overall quality of life.

How Are Cataracts Diagnosed?

At DRHC Dubai, we use advanced diagnostic tools to detect and assess cataracts during a comprehensive eye examination. This includes:

  • Visual acuity testing to measure the sharpness of vision
  • Slit-lamp examination to look closely at the lens
  • Dilated eye exam to check the retina and optic nerve
  • Tonometry to measure eye pressure

Early detection can help us plan treatment before your vision worsens.

Treatment Options for Cataracts

In the early stages, cataracts can often be managed with:

  • Stronger prescription glasses
  • Brighter lighting
  • Anti-glare lenses
  • Lifestyle adjustments

However, the only effective long-term solution for cataracts is surgery.

Cataract Surgery: Safe, Simple, and Life-Changing

Cataract surgery is a quick and safe outpatient procedure that involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). It typically takes less than 30 minutes and has a very high success rate.

Benefits of cataract surgery:

  • Restores clear, sharp vision
  • Improves night and color vision
  • Reduces glare sensitivity
  • Enhances quality of life
  • Minimal recovery time

At DRHC Dubai, we use the latest technologies and premium lens options tailored to your lifestyle and visual needs.

Can You Prevent Cataracts?

You can’t completely prevent cataracts, but you can reduce your risk by:

  • Wearing sunglasses with UV protection
  • Eating a healthy diet rich in antioxidants
  • Managing chronic conditions like diabetes
  • Avoiding smoking and excess alcohol
  • Scheduling regular eye exams, especially after age 40

Final Thoughts

Cataracts are a natural part of aging, but they don’t have to steal your vision. With early detection and expert care, you can continue to enjoy clear, bright eyesight for years to come. At DRHC Dubai, our experienced ophthalmologists are here to guide you every step of the way—from diagnosis to recovery.

Ready to See Clearly Again?

Don’t let cataracts blur your life. Book your eye check-up at DRHC Dubai today and take the first step toward better vision.

📞 Call us or 📍 Visit our clinic in Dubai to schedule your consultation.