Grey star (cataract)
Find out everything you need to know about the symptoms, surgical procedure and pre- and post-operative care for cataracts
What is a Cataract?
The eye disease cataract, medically known as a cataract, is a clouding of the lens of the eye that gradually leads to a deterioration in vision. Those affected see increasingly blurred, colourless or as if through a veil. Glare sensitivity and difficulties seeing in twilight are also common. This eye disease usually occurs in almost everyone for age-related reasons and is therefore described as a real ‘widespread disease’. From the age of 50, it is quite likely that the human eye will develop a form of lens opacity. However, it can also be caused by injuries, metabolic diseases (e.g. diabetes) or as a result of medication. If left untreated, cataracts can lead to blindness – however, nowadays they can be easily cured by an operation in which the clouded lens is replaced with an artificial intraocular lens.
Note: The information in this article cannot and should not replace a visit to the doctor and must not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment.
How to recognise cataracts at an early stage and avoid complications
The onset of cataracts often goes unnoticed for a long time, as the clouding of the lens progresses gradually. Early signs such as slightly blurred vision, increased sensitivity to glare or the need to change glasses frequently should not be ignored. If you visit an ophthalmologist in good time, you can receive a clear diagnosis and prevent serious visual deterioration and possible complications. The earlier the cataract is recognised, the better the chances of successful treatment with lasting good visual results.
Causes of Cataracts - Why The Lens Becomes Cloudy
Cataracts occur when the originally clear lens of the eye loses its transparency. In most cases, it is an age-related change in the lens structure. Other possible causes are metabolic diseases (such as diabetes), long-term exposure to UV radiation, eye injuries, certain medications (e.g. cortisone, cholesterol-lowering drugs/statins) or a genetic predisposition. Children can also rarely be affected by congenital cataracts. Knowing the exact cause helps in choosing the right treatment strategy.
Which symptoms are typical for cataracts?
The classic symptoms of cataracts include:
- Blurred or cloudy vision (‘as if through frosted glass’)
- Sensitivity to glare, especially in sunlight or when driving at night
- Decreasing colour perception
- Difficulty reading despite glasses
- Double vision in one eye
- Declining accommodation ability
These signs usually develop slowly, but are serious indications of a cataract. An early ophthalmological examination will provide clarity.
Grey Cataract Surgery: The Procedure, Step by Step
Cataracts can only be effectively treated by replacing the cloudy lens with an artificial lens. Cataract surgery is now a standardised procedure. The typical process includes:
Pre-operative examination & consultation
Local anaesthesia – usually administered as eye drops
Removal of the clouded lens – using phacoemulsification (ultrasound technique)
Insertion of the artificial lens
Aftercare & healing phase – supported by eye drops and follow-up appointments
The procedure usually takes only 15–30 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis.
Eye lens before and after cataract surgery
Left image: Eye lens before cataract surgery | Right image: Eye lens after cataract surgery
After cataract surgery: What you should look out for
After cataract surgery, many patients begin a new chapter with significantly improved vision. To ensure that the healing process runs smoothly and that you benefit from your new vision as quickly as possible, you should bear a few important points in mind:
Rest & Protection
Rest is particularly important in the first few days after the operation. Avoid physical exertion, heavy lifting or sport. You should also avoid rubbing or pressing the operated eye.
Use Eye Drops Regularly
Your doctor will prescribe special drops to prevent inflammation and support healing. Use them exactly as directed – even if you do not feel any discomfort. If you are not sure how to use the drops, be sure to ask your doctor!
Wear UV-protective Lenses
Always wear lenses with UV protection in daylight. After surgery, the eye is more sensitive to light and protection helps to prevent irritation. It is therefore essential that you ask your optician about our Saphir X IR lens coating BEFORE the operation. In addition to UV light, it also blocks the sun’s harmful infrared rays and therefore provides optimum protection for your eyes in strong sunlight.
Driving Only After Permission
Please do not actively participate in road traffic again until your ophthalmologist has expressly authorised this. Your visual acuity may still change in the first few days.
Keep Inspection Appointments
Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor the healing process.
Lenses After The Operation
Monofocal lenses are usually used in cataract surgery. These artificial lenses are optimised for a fixed distance – usually distance vision – and enable significantly improved vision in this range. However, the implantation of a monofocal lens results in the loss of the eye’s natural ability to accommodate, i.e. to adjust to different viewing distances. Therefore, additional visual aids are usually required for near and intermediate vision, such as varifocal glasses or, optionally, special workplace glasses for working at a computer. The exact adjustment of the visual acuity should take place at the earliest 4 to 6 weeks after the operation, when the eye has completely healed.
Seek advice on special spectacle lenses after the operation – they can specifically support your visual comfort, e.g. with near comfort, workplace or progressive lenses from Wetzlich. You can visit an optician directly here.
With our checklist, you will be optimally informed and prepared for your eye surgery to remove a cataract. We also provide you with spectacle lens recommendations from Wetzlich, which you can use as part of our ‘cataract package’ put together especially for you. Discuss this directly with your optician. Use our optician search to find Wetzlich partner opticians in your area.
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