At Somerville & Merrin Optometrists, we’re committed to raising awareness and helping our local community preserve their sight through regular eye exams and personalised care.

What Are Cataracts?

A cataract forms when the clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy, much like looking through a frosted window. This cloudiness develops gradually and can significantly affect your quality of life if left untreated.

Common Cataract Symptoms:

• Cloudy or blurry vision
• Glare or halos around lights (especially at night)
• Difficulty seeing clearly in low light
• Frequent changes to glasses prescriptions
• Faded or yellowed colour perception

These symptoms often develop slowly and may go unnoticed at first—especially if the cataract affects only one eye or progresses gradually.

What Causes Cataracts?

While age-related cataracts are most common, other risk factors include:

• Family history of cataracts
• Diabetes
• Long-term UV exposure
• Smoking
• Use of corticosteroid medications
• Eye injuries or previous surgeries

Understanding these risk factors allows us to detect and monitor cataracts more effectively through routine eye exams.

Why Early Detection Matters

Cataracts can often be successfully managed if caught early. During a comprehensive eye examination, our optometrists can identify early lens changes - even before noticeable symptoms appear. With ongoing monitoring, updated prescriptions, and timely referrals for surgery when needed, most patients enjoy excellent visual outcomes.

Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective procedures, restoring clarity and improving quality of life for many Toowoomba residents each year.

Eye Care You Can Trust in Toowoomba

At Somerville & Merrin Optometrists, we provide:

• Thorough eye exams to detect cataracts and other vision issues
• Personalised care plans tailored to your lifestyle and health
• Referrals to trusted ophthalmologists for cataract surgery when necessary

We’ve proudly served the Toowoomba community for decades and are passionate about helping you see the future.  Book your eye test today with one of our trusted Optometrists: