By Dr. Deborah Oparaji (OD)
What is a Cataract?
A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurry vision, glare, and difficulty seeing at night. It is a leading cause of preventable blindness in Nigeria. Cataracts usually develop gradually with age but can also result from trauma, diabetes, or steroid use.
Causes and Risk Factors
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Aging (most common cause)
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Eye injuries or trauma
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Diabetes mellitus
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Prolonged corticosteroid use
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UV radiation exposure
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Genetic factors
Symptoms of Cataracts
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Blurred or cloudy vision
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Increased glare and sensitivity to bright lights
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Difficulty seeing at night
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Fading or yellowing of colors
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Double vision in one eye
Diagnosis at SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikoyi
Our specialists perform comprehensive eye exams including:
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Slit-lamp biomicroscopy to examine lens clarity
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Visual acuity testing
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Dilated eye exam to inspect lens and retina
Cataract Management and Referral
While SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikoyi does not perform cataract surgery, we provide:
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Early diagnosis and monitoring of cataract progression
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Prescription of glasses or magnifiers to improve vision temporarily
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Patient education on lifestyle adjustments to reduce symptoms
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Timely referral to trusted surgical centers for cataract removal when needed
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When should I consider cataract surgery?
Surgery is advised when cataracts significantly impair daily activities and vision. We will refer you to trusted surgeons when appropriate.
Q2: Can cataracts be treated without surgery?
Non-surgical options like updated glasses can help temporarily, but surgery is the only definitive treatment.
Q3: How often should I get my eyes checked if I have cataracts?
Regular check-ups every 6 to 12 months are recommended to monitor cataract progression.
Q4: Will cataracts cause blindness?
If untreated, cataracts can cause severe vision loss and blindness, but surgery can restore sight.
Contact SpecSMART Eye Clinic Ikoyi
Address:
Ikoyi Plaza, Units 5 & 6, Junction of Awolowo Road and Keffi Street, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria
Phone: 0701 820 7486
Email: info@specsmart.ng
Opening Hours:
Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM