Cataracts

Understanding the causes, symptoms, and support available

Cataracts are one of the most common eye conditions, particularly as we get older. They develop when the natural lens inside the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurred or misty vision. While cataracts can affect your day-to-day life, they are treatable, and many people regain good vision after treatment.

What are cataracts?

A cataract occurs when the clear lens at the front of your eye becomes cloudy. This clouding prevents light from passing through properly, making your vision appear blurred, dim, or less colourful. Cataracts usually develop slowly over time and may affect one or both eyes. They are not painful, but they can gradually make everyday activities like reading, driving, or recognising faces more difficult.

Symptoms of cataracts

Symptoms often develop gradually and may include:

Blurred or cloudy vision
Difficulty seeing clearly at night
Sensitivity to bright lights or glare
Colours appearing faded or less vibrant
Double vision in one eye
Frequent changes in glasses prescription

If you notice any changes in your vision, it’s important to have your eyes tested by an optician.

What causes cataracts?

The most common cause of cataracts is ageing. As we get older, the proteins in the lens of the eye can begin to break down and clump together, causing cloudiness. Other factors that may increase your risk include:

Diabetes
Smoking
Long-term exposure to sunlight (UV rays)
Eye injuries or previous eye surgery
Certain medications, such as steroids
A family history of cataracts

Some people are also born with cataracts or develop them at a younger age.

How are cataracts treated?

In the early stages, cataracts may be managed with stronger glasses, better lighting, or magnifying lenses. However, as the condition progresses, surgery is the only effective treatment.

Cataract surgery

Cataract surgery is a common and generally safe procedure. It involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens. The procedure is usually done as a day case, meaning you can go home the same day. Most people notice a significant improvement in their vision afterwards.

Living with cataracts

Cataracts can affect your confidence and independence, especially if your vision becomes more limited over time. Simple changes can help you manage day-to-day life, such as using brighter lighting at home, reducing glare with sunglasses or anti-glare lenses, using magnifiers for reading, and keeping your home environment clear and well organised.

When to seek help

You should seek advice if your vision is getting worse, you are struggling with everyday tasks, bright lights or glare are becoming difficult to manage, or you are concerned about changes in your eyesight. An optician can assess your vision and refer you for further treatment if needed.

Support is available

Being diagnosed with cataracts can feel worrying, but support is available. Whether you need practical advice, emotional support, or help understanding your options, you don’t have to manage it alone. Get in touch with our team for guidance and support tailored to your needs.

Frequently asked questions
Are cataracts permanent?

Cataracts do not go away on their own, but they can be effectively treated with surgery.

Can cataracts cause blindness?

If left untreated, cataracts can significantly reduce vision, but they are treatable and surgery is highly successful.

How long does cataract surgery take?

The procedure usually takes around 20–30 minutes, with recovery continuing over the following weeks.

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