Getting older - hello cataracts! — CapitalEyes Optometrists

Getting older is a privilege — even if it comes with a few grey hairs, wrinkles, and creaky joints. By your 40s you’ve probably needed reading glasses, and by your 60s the word “cataract” has likely come up in conversation. When your vision becomes hazy or your glasses don’t seem to help as much, cataracts may be part of the picture.

How can you tell you have cataracts?
With cataracts the symptoms include noticing that it’s harder to see clearly, that you need good light and maybe it feels as if your glasses need cleaning. Phone torches become helpful, as contrast is reduced and steps in dim light become tricky too. Glare is more annoying and colours are less vivid, often more yellowed (think of Monets paintings as he was older - that’s the view with cataracts).
The vision changes slowly, so often for early cataracts, your optometrist will recommend annual reviews if the vision is still “too good” to refer for surgery.

When is it “bad enough” for cataract surgery?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, causing blurry or dim vision.
The understanding that you need to wait until your cataract is “ripe” or bad enough, is more a question of the risks of surgery vs the benefits of surgery.
If a person is meeting the vision standard for driving, and happy, then it’s probably not yet time for cataract surgery. But for others this same level of vision may be very difficult, and they are finding it all very problematic and referral for surgery is quite appropriate.

Access to cataract surgery in New Zealand
In NZ, those with health insurance or the ability to pay often choose private surgery at a time that suits them.
Most people, however, rely on our public health system. Public referrals use a points system, where reduced vision, lifestyle impact, and whether you’re still driving all contribute to your score. Even when you meet the criteria, there can still be a long wait — our ageing population is placing pressure on public eye clinics.
Your local optometrists in Karori can monitor cataracts and advise when surgery is needed

“I don’t think I want surgery, I would be too scared” - is a very normal concern
Cataract surgery is a very common procedure worldwide. Our NZ eye surgeons are excellent, with a very high standard of care and great results. It’s not a painful procedure and most people comment how quick the actual surgery was.
It’s day surgery so you go home that day, and then have a few weeks of regular eye drops. Then there is followup with your surgeon after the surgery.
After the surgery we hear comments, not only the expected clearer vision but also how bright the colours are, and that my face (or my partners) has so many more wrinkles now that I can see them.

How can optometrists help?
By having regular visits you will be able to understand about your vision changes. Sometimes updating glasses as cataracts progress can help, but sometimes it won’t and we’ll have honest conversations about this. Optometrists who have longer appointments and don’t sell you “free eye checks” are better placed to help you when your vision is changing.
Then when it is time to refer you for cataract surgery, the optometrists at CapitalEyes will explain about some of the optical decisions you’ll make with the surgeon, as the choice of the IOL powers (intra-ocular lens, the new clear lens to replace your old foggy one) will affect your glasses needs after the surgery. It is reasonable to expect less reliance on glasses after cataract surgery, but most people benefit from updated glasses after surgery - why not have 100% best vision, not just 80% better?
So it is usual to see your optometrist again, after surgeons final check at 4-6 weeks after the surgery. Your optometrists can also then advise if ongoing eye care visits are 2 yearly or if you have other risks of glaucoma or macula degeneration,then more frequently.

Should you worry about cataracts?
Cataracts are a normal part of ageing — and nothing to fear when you have the right care. If you’ve noticed changes in your vision, book a comprehensive eye examination with CapitalEyes in Karori. We’ll help you understand your options and keep your vision clear for years to come.