Cataracts
Sources consulted
This article is original patient-education content.
- WHO—Health topics A–Z(2024)
- NHS—Health A to Z(2024)
- CDC—Health topics(2024)
Based on international clinical guidelines
Overview
A cataract is when the clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy, like looking through a foggy window. This makes your vision blurry, colors look faded, and lights seem too bright or glary.
Key facts
- Cataracts are very common, especially as you get older.
- They usually develop slowly over months or years.
- Surgery is the only way to remove a cataract and can often restore clear vision.
Yes, cataracts are one of the most common causes of vision loss in older adults. More than half of people over 65 have some degree of cataract.
Cataracts mainly affect older adults, but they can also occur in younger people, including children, especially after an eye injury or due to certain medical conditions.
Symptoms
- Sudden, severe pain in the eye.
- Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes.
- Nausea or vomiting along with eye pain (this can be a sign of acute glaucoma).
- ⚠A sudden change in vision, like new floaters, flashes of light, or a curtain-like shadow.
- ⚠Redness, swelling, or pain in the eye that gets worse.
- ⚠Eye injury or if you think a foreign object has hit your eye.
Common symptoms
- Blurry or cloudy vision, like looking through a dirty window.
- Colors look faded or yellowed.
- Difficulty seeing at night or in low light.
- Glare or halos around lights, especially oncoming headlights when driving.
- Frequent changes in your glasses or contact lens prescription.
Symptoms in children
- A white or cloudy appearance in the pupil (the black part of the eye).
- Poor vision that does not improve with glasses.
- Eyes that do not line up or seem to wander (strabismus).
- Shaky or jiggly eyes (nystagmus).
Symptoms in older adults
- Gradual vision changes over months or years.
- Needing brighter light to read or do close work.
- Trouble seeing at night or driving after dark.
- Sensitivity to glare and bright sunlight.
Causes
Main causes
- Aging – the lens naturally becomes less flexible and more cloudy over time.
- Injury to the eye – a blow, cut, or puncture can cause a cataract.
- Certain medications, especially long-term use of steroids (like prednisone).
- Medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
Risk factors
- Being over 60 years old.
- Smoking or long-term exposure to cigarette smoke.
- Heavy drinking (alcohol).
- Prolonged exposure to sunlight without eye protection.
- Having a family history of cataracts.
- Previous eye surgery or injury.
- Certain health problems like diabetes or obesity.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
- Sudden vision loss or severe eye pain – call your local emergency number right away.
Book a routine appointment if:
- If you notice gradual changes in your vision, such as blurriness, difficulty reading, or trouble seeing at night.
- If you find that you need brighter light to do daily tasks.
- If you have a medical condition like diabetes and notice vision changes.
Diagnosis
An eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist) will do a thorough eye exam to check for cataracts and measure how much they affect your vision.
Tests that may be done
- Visual acuity test – reading letters on an eye chart.
- Dilated eye exam – eye drops widen your pupils so the doctor can see the lens and the back of your eye.
- Slit-lamp exam – a microscope with a bright light to examine the front of the eye, including the lens.
What to expect at your appointment
The exam is painless. You may have your pupils dilated, which can make your eyes sensitive to light for a few hours. The doctor will discuss your results and any next steps, such as whether you need treatment or can wait.
Treatment
For early cataracts, changes to your glasses, brighter lighting, and anti-glare sunglasses may help you see better. When cataracts make everyday activities difficult, surgery is the only effective treatment.
Self-care at home
- Use brighter lights for reading and close work.
- Wear anti-glare sunglasses outdoors.
- Magnifying lenses can help with reading small print.
- Limit night driving if glare bothers you.
- Keep your eyeglass prescription up to date.
Medical treatments
No medications can cure or reverse cataracts. The only treatment is surgery, where the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens (called an intraocular lens). This is usually a safe and quick procedure done under local anaesthetic, and most people see much better afterwards.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is recommended when your cataracts affect your ability to do daily activities such as reading, driving, watching TV, or recognising faces. You and your doctor can decide the right time based on your needs.
Living with this condition
Many people with early cataracts manage well by making small changes, like using brighter lights, taking care when walking on uneven surfaces, and avoiding driving at night if glare is a problem.
Lifestyle tips
- Wear a hat and sunglasses to reduce glare from the sun.
- Use a magnifying glass for hobbies or reading.
- Ask your optician about anti-glare coatings on your glasses.
- Consider using a brighter, non-glare lamp next to your chair.
Diet and exercise
A healthy diet rich in antioxidants (like vitamins C and E, and lutein) may support overall eye health. Foods such as leafy greens, citrus fruits, and nuts are good choices. Regular exercise and managing conditions like diabetes can also help protect your eyes.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Vision changes can be frustrating and may affect your mood or confidence. It is normal to feel worried or down. Talking to your doctor, family, or a counsellor can help. Remember, most vision loss from cataracts can be reversed with surgery.
Prevention
You cannot completely prevent cataracts, but you may reduce your risk by protecting your eyes from the sun (wear UV-blocking sunglasses), not smoking, limiting alcohol, and keeping conditions like diabetes well controlled. Regular eye exams can help catch changes early.
Screening programmes
Routine eye exams are important for everyone, especially after age 60. Even if you have no symptoms, an eye exam can check for cataracts and other eye problems.
Complications
If left untreated
- Gradual worsening of vision that can make daily tasks very hard.
- Increased risk of falls and accidents because of poor vision.
- In very rare cases, if left untreated for many years, the cataract can become advanced and cause inflammation or glaucoma, which may damage the eye permanently.
Long-term outlook
Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful operations worldwide. The outlook is excellent – most people regain good vision and can return to their normal activities. Even if you have other eye conditions, surgery can still improve your sight.
Find support
International organisations
Local organisations
- Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) ↗ · United Kingdom
Helplines
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Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.