Cataracts Explained: When Your Vision Becomes Cloudy

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens that develops gradually over time. It's one of the most common causes of vision loss in older adults, affecting millions of people in the UK. The good news is that cataract surgery is highly successful and can dramatically restore vision.

How cataracts develop

The lens is normally clear, allowing light to pass through to the retina. Over time, proteins in the lens clump together, causing cloudiness. This usually happens slowly over many years. Age is the primary cause—most people develop some cataract changes after age 60. Other factors include UV exposure, smoking, diabetes, certain medications, and previous eye injury.

Recognising cataract symptoms

Early symptoms include blurred or hazy vision, difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to light and glare, colours appearing faded or yellowish, and frequent changes to your glasses prescription. You might notice a white or milky appearance in your pupil as the cataract progresses. Symptoms develop gradually, sometimes over years.

Impact on daily life

Cataracts affect different people differently depending on location and density. Some people struggle with night driving while managing daytime activities fine. Others find reading increasingly difficult. Glare from headlights or sun becomes bothersome. These changes often develop so gradually that people don't realise how much their vision has declined until after surgery.

Diagnosis and monitoring

Your optician can see cataracts during an eye test using a slit lamp—a special microscope that examines the lens in detail. If a cataract is found, your optician monitors it over time. You don't need immediate surgery; many people manage with stronger glasses and improved lighting for years.

When to consider surgery

Surgery is recommended when cataracts significantly impact your quality of life and daily activities. There's no rush—waiting won't damage your eye, though the cataract will gradually worsen. You and your eye specialist decide together when surgery is right for you.

The surgical procedure

Cataract surgery is quick, usually taking 15-20 minutes. Your surgeon removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens. It's performed under local anaesthetic, so you're awake but don't feel pain. Most people have excellent results, with vision improving significantly within weeks.

Recovery and results

Recovery is usually straightforward, with vision improving over several weeks. You'll use eye drops to aid healing and protect against infection. Many people achieve vision better than before the cataract developed, especially if they choose a premium lens that corrects other vision problems.

If cataracts are affecting your life, talk to your optician about your options. Modern surgery offers excellent outcomes.