Cataract Only Occurs in the Older Population
Traditionally, cataract is almost always associated with older age. This eye disease, though, is not exclusive to the older population. Ophthalmologists in Singapore are seeing an increase in cataracts amongst younger adults – those in their 30s and 40s. Our eyes have a natural lens, and when this lens becomes cloudy, it becomes a cataract. Having a cataract can cause a person to experience glare and blurred, foggy, cloudy, dim, and/or hazy vision. Some may also have difficulty with daily activities when the cataract becomes severe.
Age-related cataracts remain the commonest. However, lifestyle, medical, and environmental factors and conditions can cause cataracts to set in earlier for younger adults. Hence, cataract screening in Singapore becomes more relevant for a younger population. Early cataract screening and timely treatment can help preserve vision and reduce disruption to daily and work life.
Risk factors: Diabetes, steroids, UV exposure, trauma
The following non-age-related conditions/factors can speed up cataract formation in younger adults:
Diabetes
One big risk factor is poorly controlled diabetes, as raised blood sugar levels may cause lens changes, resulting in earlier cataracts. Younger adults should have regular cataract screening in Singapore as part of a good routine eye care.
Steroid Use
Some medical conditions, including autoimmune diseases, asthma, and skin conditions, require long-term use of steroids (topical, oral, inhaled). This has been associated with cataract formation.
UV Exposure
As a tropical country, Singapore has year-round sunlight, and this would mean those on the island are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) for a prolonged period of time. If one does not have sufficient eye protection, extended UV exposure can cause early cataracts.
Eye Trauma
For those with a history of eye trauma, there is the possibility of developing traumatic cataracts from an injury, surgery, or accident. It is therefore prudent to have regular cataract screenings, as cataracts may develop months or even years after the first incident.
Early Symptoms that Younger Adults Miss
Those who are younger in age often do not expect to have cataracts. Hence, they often overlook early signs of cataracts, which include:
- Gradual blurring or clouding of vision, and glasses do not improve the vision
- Colours do not appear as bright as before, becoming yellowish or faded
- Seeing more glare, especially when driving at night
- Needing to update glasses prescription frequently
- Prolonged screen time becomes challenging
As symptoms of early cataracts are not obvious, they can only be detected through a comprehensive cataract screening. A regular cataract screening in Singapore with an ophthalmologist can detect lens changes before vision is significantly affected.
When to Consider Cataract Screening
You should not wait until vision becomes severely impaired before seeking medical help. Consider a cataract screening if you:
- Are you diabetic, or are you using steroids for long periods of time
- Have a job or hobby where you spend significant time outdoors in the daytime, and you do not use protective eyewear
- Have a family history of early-onset cataracts
- Keep needing to change your glasses frequently
- Have an accident or injury to the eye
During a cataract screening in Singapore, your ophthalmologist will do a detailed eye check, including pupil dilation, retinal assessment, and slit-lamp examination.
Can Cataracts Happen in Your 40s?
While it may be deemed a tad early to have cataracts in your 40s, yes, cataracts can and do happen at this age. Cataract surgery would be recommended if the severity of cataract has affected your quality of life, regardless of one’s age.
Modern cataract surgery centres in Singapore provide a myriad of services, including bladeless cataract surgery or femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS). The procedure uses femtosecond laser technology in certain steps of cataract surgery.
In the hands of experienced cataract surgeons, cataract treatment recovery in Singapore is relatively quick. Most people can return to most daily activities the next day, understanding that the vision will continue to improve over the next few weeks to months. Timely treatment and intervention would mean less disruption to one’s daily life.
Cataract Screening and Treatment Practices in Singapore
Today, cataract screening and treatment have evolved significantly. Up to date diagnostics equipment offers non-invasive, high-resolution, and 3D imaging, which are accurate to detect a wide range of eye conditions and diseases. Vision recovery is quick with small incision, minimally invasive cataract surgery. There is also a wide range of intraocular lenses to choose from, including trifocal and toric lenses, which greatly reduces the need to use glasses post-surgery, improving the quality of life.
Cataract treatment providers in Singapore can now offer surgical options that are customised, effective, and safe for all ages, including younger adults.
Cataract Screening at Lang Eye Centre
If you are in your 40s or younger but have noticed changes in your vision, please contact Lang Eye Centre for a cataract screening at [email protected] or +65 6684 1000. Timely cataract screening and treatment can preserve your vision for decades to come.
