Cataract risk rising earlier for Hong Kong adults
AM730 · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Cataracts remain the world’s leading cause of blindness, but they are also among the few causes of vision loss that can be reversed through surgery. Ophthalmologist Yau Kin said Hong Kong is seeing a clear trend toward younger cataract cases, with risk beginning to rise among people aged over 40, especially those with high myopia, ultraviolet exposure or diabetes. He urged people not to wait until a cataract is “mature” before seeking treatment, because early symptoms can be subtle and delays may lead to serious complications. Modern cataract surgery is now minimally invasive, typically lasting 15 to 20 minutes, with most patients able to go home the same day
Key Points
- Yau Kin said cataracts are traditionally seen as an elderly disease, but in Hong Kong the condition is becoming younger and can affect people of different ages
- Four early warning signs include steadily worsening myopia, suddenly improved presbyopia, dimmer colour perception, and double vision or blurred sight in low light
- Yau said these changes do not mean eyesight is improving; they can signal that the eye’s natural lens is starting to turn cloudy
- He linked the younger trend to Hong Kong lifestyles, including heavy workloads, insufficient rest, rising diabetes cases, and greater awareness from easier access to eye checks
- The youngest patient he had seen was only in their teens, linked to long-term steroid treatment for eczema; trauma, genetics and congenital infection can also cause cataracts
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, the report suggests cataract screening should not be thought of only as an issue for the elderly, especially for people over 40 or those with high myopia and diabetes. It also underlines that postponing treatment can trigger acute glaucoma, iritis and irreversible vision damage if emergency symptoms such as red eyes, pain or rainbow halos are ignored