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Cataract Screening

What Is a Cataract?

A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens the clear part inside your eye that focuses light. When that lens becomes cloudy, light cannot pass through properly, and your vision gradually becomes hazy, dull or blurred, as though you are looking through a misted window. Cataracts are extremely common, especially as we get older, and the good news is that they are very treatable.

The key is detecting them early through proper cataract screening at our Lagos clinic, so you understand what is happening and can plan the right care.

Common Symptoms

Cataracts usually develop slowly, so the signs can be easy to dismiss at first. Watch for:

Cloudy, hazy or blurred vision
Increased sensitivity to glare, especially from headlights or sunlight
Colours appearing faded or yellowed
Difficulty seeing at night
Double vision in one eye
Needing to change your glasses prescription frequently

Types of Cataracts

Age-related cataracts – By far the most common, developing gradually over years.
Congenital cataracts – Present from birth or early childhood.
Secondary cataracts – Linked to other conditions such as diabetes, or to long-term steroid use.
Traumatic cataracts – Following an eye injury.

Causes & Risk Factors

Ageing is the leading cause, but your risk is higher if you live with diabetes, spend a great deal of time in strong sunlight without eye protection, smoke, use steroid medication long-term, or have had a previous eye injury. A family history can also play a role.

Our Cataract Screening Process

Cataract screening at IrisCare is painless and thorough. Your optometrist reviews your symptoms and history, measures your vision, and uses a slit lamp microscope to examine the lens of each eye closely for any clouding. We also check the health of the rest of your eye, since cataracts can occur alongside other conditions.

The Cataract Surgery Referral Pathway

Cataracts are treated with a routine, highly successful surgical procedure in which the cloudy lens is replaced with a clear artificial one. Optometrists screen for and monitor cataracts; the surgery itself is performed by an ophthalmologist. If your cataracts have progressed to the point where surgery would help, we will refer you to a trusted eye surgeon and explain exactly what to expect.

Pre- and Post-Surgical Care at IrisCare

Our role does not end at referral. We can help prepare you for surgery and support your recovery afterwards including updating your glasses prescription once your vision has settled, since many people still need glasses for certain tasks after the procedure.

Living with Early-Stage Cataracts

Not every cataract needs surgery straight away. In the early stages, stronger lighting, anti-glare lens coatings and an updated prescription can keep you seeing comfortably. We will monitor the cataract over time and advise you when, and if, surgery becomes the better option never before it is genuinely needed.

HMO Coverage

Cataract screening is covered under many of the HMO plans we accept. Confirm your cover before your visit. Check Your HMO.