Johannesburg, October 2026. World Sight Day falls on the second Thursday of October each year, and this month the Bryanston practice of Dr. Taryn Fletcher is using the occasion to focus on one of the most common causes of reduced vision: cataracts. Dr. Fletcher is an ophthalmic surgeon whose practice specialises in microincision cataract surgery, medical retinal disease and aesthetic ophthalmology, and cataract care sits at the centre of her work. The practice is encouraging Johannesburg residents who have noticed gradual changes in their eyesight to have their eyes examined rather than putting it down to simple ageing.
What a cataract is
The lens of the eye sits behind the iris and pupil and works much like the lens of a camera, focusing light onto the retina at the back of the eye. It is made mostly of water and protein. As part of the ageing process, that protein can clump together, creating cloudy areas in the lens. Over time these cloudy areas grow larger, and as the cataract develops, it scatters and blocks the light passing through the lens. The result is vision that becomes blurred, dim or affected by glare during the day or at night.
Cataracts generally develop in both eyes, though not always at the same pace. One eye may be more affected than the other, which can lead to a noticeable difference in vision between the two. Dr. Fletcher’s practice notes that cataracts are a leading cause of visual loss, which is why awareness days such as World Sight Day are a useful prompt to have the eyes checked.
Signs worth paying attention to
Because cataracts usually form slowly, people often adapt to the changes without realising how much their sight has shifted. The practice highlights several symptoms that may point to a cataract:
- Frequent changes to a spectacle or contact lens prescription
- Clouded, blurred or dim vision
- Glare or sensitivity to light
- Colours that appear yellowed or faded
- Halos around lights
- Difficulty with night vision, including driving after dark
- Needing extra light for reading and close work
- Double vision in one eye
Some types of cataract behave in unexpected ways. A nuclear cataract, which forms in the centre of the lens, may at first improve a person’s near vision, an effect sometimes called second sight. Cortical cataracts form at the edges of the lens in a spoke-like pattern, while posterior subcapsular cataracts form on the back surface of the lens. An examination by one of Johannesburg’s ophthalmologists is the reliable way to tell which type is present and how far it has progressed.
Who is more at risk
Age is the most common cause of cataracts, but it is not the only factor. Dr. Fletcher’s practice lists a range of risk factors, including a family history of cataracts, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and smoking. Ultraviolet radiation also plays a part, which is relevant in a sunny country heading into summer. Certain medicines are associated with cataract formation, among them corticosteroids, statins used to lower cholesterol and hormone replacement therapy. Heavy alcohol use, previous eye inflammation or injury, previous eye surgery and high myopia are also on the list.
The practice also points to lifestyle measures that may help. Oxidative stress linked to poor lifestyle has been associated with cataract development, so a diet rich in antioxidants may be protective. Omega 3 fatty acids from oily fish, lutein and zeaxanthin found in orange and leafy green vegetables, vitamin E from leafy greens and seeds, and vitamin C are all mentioned. Sunglasses that block 100 percent of UV rays are advisable, particularly as October brings longer, brighter days to the Highveld.
When surgery becomes the right step
Not every cataract needs immediate surgery. In the early stages, updated spectacles, magnifiers and better lighting can help. Surgery is generally advised once vision deteriorates to the point where it interferes with everyday activities such as reading, driving or working. Cataract surgery is considered a minor procedure and is the most common elective operation.
The procedure involves removing the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with a clear artificial intraocular lens, known as an IOL. The surgeon makes a very small incision in the front of the eye, uses a fine instrument to break up the cataract and gently remove it, then places the new lens. Patients do not need to stay overnight, although someone will need to drive them home. When both eyes are affected, the two eyes are usually treated in separate procedures a few weeks apart so that the first eye can heal. Seeing an experienced ophthalmologist in Johannesburg for this kind of assessment means the timing can be matched to each patient’s needs.
Choosing the right lens
One of the most significant developments in cataract care has been the range of lenses now available. As the practice explains, there are lenses that correct distance vision only, lenses that correct both distance and near vision, and lenses designed to correct astigmatism. A monofocal lens, the most common type, focuses at one fixed distance, so patients may still need reading glasses. Multifocal lenses work in a similar way to bifocal or progressive spectacles, with zones for different distances. Accommodating lenses act more like the natural lens and can reduce the need for reading glasses, while toric lenses are used for patients with astigmatism. Discussing these options with an opthalmologist before surgery helps patients choose the lens that best suits their work, hobbies and daily routine.
Experience behind the practice
Dr. Fletcher graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery in 2005. After her internship and community service years, she worked as a medical officer at St John Eye in 2008 and qualified as an ophthalmologist in 2013. She served as an honorary consultant at Helen Joseph Hospital and worked as a locum in private practice before opening her own practice in 2014. Her qualifications are MBBCh (Wits) and FC Ophth (SA).
Beyond cataracts, the practice sees patients for glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, flashes and floaters, pterygium and diabetic eye disease, and offers aesthetic treatments. Because many cataract patients also have other eye conditions, such as glaucoma or diabetes-related changes in the retina, a full examination before any procedure is part of the process.
A good month to book an eye examination
World Sight Day is an international reminder that much vision loss can be treated or managed when it is picked up in time. For people who have noticed glare from oncoming headlights, faded colours or a prescription that keeps changing, October is a sensible time to book an eye examination. Family members can also play a part by encouraging older relatives, or anyone with diabetes, to have their eyes checked.
Patients and referring doctors can find more information about the practice, its procedures and its contact details at https://drtfletcher.co.za/.
About Dr. T Fletcher
Dr. Taryn Fletcher is an ophthalmic surgeon in private practice at Bryanston Place Office Park, 199 Bryanston Drive, Bryanston, Johannesburg. The practice specialises in microincision cataract surgery, medical retinal disease and aesthetic ophthalmology, and also treats glaucoma, macular degeneration, pterygium and flashes and floaters. Dr. Fletcher qualified in medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand in 2005, qualified as an ophthalmologist in 2013 and opened her practice in 2014.
Media Contact
Dr. T Fletcher
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +27 11 463 2958
Website: https://drtfletcher.co.za/
