June is Cataract Awareness Month, a reminder of the important role that general practitioners (GPs) and optometrists play in detecting cataracts early and referring patients for further specialist care. Cataracts remain a significant reversible cause of vision loss. If there are other comorbidities, early detection followed by a timely referral can make a considerable difference, particularly in older people who are most at risk.
At Queensland Eye and Retina Specialists (QERS), we work closely with referring health professionals to give patients timely access to cataract assessment, surgical treatment, and post-surgical care, regaining their independence and quality of life.
How Primary Care Helps in Detecting Cataracts
Cataracts tend to develop slowly and may not be noticed by patients until daily activities, such as reading, driving, or navigating stairs, become difficult. GPs and optometrists can detect cataract-related changes in eyesight early on and once symptomatic, can refer patients to specialist care before functional impairment develops.
Signs that specialist referral for cataracts may be needed include:
Cloudy or blurred vision
Light or glare sensitivity
Night vision problems
Frequent changes in glasses prescription
Yellowing or fading of colours
Even when symptoms are mild, early education allows patients to prepare for treatment and avoid unwanted delays in cataract surgery.
An Early Referral Leads to Better Outcomes
Once patients start to experience decline in vision, an early referral to an eye specialist in Brisbane, like QERS, ensures that patients receive a comprehensive evaluation and are offered surgery if needed. Cataract surgery is among the safest and most performed procedures worldwide, with high success rates and relatively quick recovery times.
At QERS, we provide comprehensive pre-operative assessments, a wide range of intraocular lens options tailored to the patient’s lifestyle, timely access to surgery, and communication with referring practitioners in a coordinated system. Our current lens options include Monofocal, Extended Depth of Focus (EDoF) and Multifocal in both non-toric and toric options. We pride ourselves on using the latest IOL technology and finding solutions for more complex cases, for example very long or short eyes. We prioritise continuity of care so patients feel looked after during their care journey. Some of our specialists are also able to offer cataract surgery in combination with retinal procedures, including epiretinal membrane peel and macula hole surgery. This reduces post-operative recovery time and likely reduces risk when compared with two separate procedures.
What to Expect from Cataract Diagnosis and Surgery
A cataract diagnosis can be unsettling, especially if the patient has limited knowledge of the disease and its treatment. Discussing the procedure with them can help reduce anxiety.
Patients referred to QERS for cataract surgery can expect a comprehensive and patient-centred experience, which begins with an in-depth examination of their vision and overall eye health with one of our clinical optometrists. This is followed by a consultation with a specialist ophthalmologist and a discussion about the available surgery and expected outcomes.
The procedure is a day surgery with individual post-operative care and follow-up as necessary. Most patients experience remarkable improvement in vision within days after surgery, with minimal interruption to their daily activities. As eye care professionals, our shared goal is to preserve vision and enhance quality of life. Cataract Awareness Month is an opportunity to repeat the message that early detection and timely referral can lead to clearer outcomes, both literally and figuratively.
We encourage GPs and optometrists to proactively discuss symptoms of cataracts with patients and refer early once changes are detected. Refer to Queensland Eye and Retina Specialists today to get your patients prompt and expert cataract care.