Cataracts
Symptoms, causes, treatment, and when to see an optician
Overview
A cataract is a clouding of the natural crystalline lens inside the eye, causing vision to become progressively blurred, misty, or faded. Cataracts are the most common cause of treatable sight loss in the UK, and most people will develop some degree of lens clouding by their 70s. Cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed and successful operations on the NHS, with around 450,000 procedures carried out each year.
Symptoms
- Blurred, cloudy, or misty vision that worsens gradually
- Colours appearing faded, washed out, or yellowish
- Increased sensitivity to glare from headlights, sunlight, or bright lamps
- Haloes around lights, particularly when driving at night
- Difficulty seeing in dim or low-contrast lighting
- Frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescription
- Double vision in one eye (in some types of cataract)
Causes & Risk Factors
- Ageing — the most common cause, as lens proteins gradually break down over decades
- Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun
- Diabetes — people with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age
- Long-term use of corticosteroid medications (oral, inhaled, or eye drops)
- Previous eye injuries, surgery, or inflammation (e.g. uveitis)
- Smoking — a significant modifiable risk factor
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Family history of early-onset cataracts
Treatment Options
In the early stages of cataract development, updating your glasses prescription can often improve your vision sufficiently to continue with daily activities. Your optometrist will monitor the cataract at each eye test and advise you when it is starting to have a meaningful impact on your quality of life. There is no proven medication, eye drop, or lifestyle change that can reverse a cataract once it has formed.
When cataracts significantly affect your ability to read, drive, work, or enjoy your usual activities, your optometrist will refer you for cataract surgery. Under the NHS, referral is based on the functional impact on your life rather than the clinical severity alone. The operation is a day-case procedure, usually performed under local anaesthetic, and takes around 15 to 30 minutes. The cloudy lens is broken up using ultrasound (phacoemulsification) and replaced with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
Modern cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective operations available, with a success rate of over 95%. Most patients notice a significant improvement in vision within a few days. You will need to use antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops for several weeks after the procedure, and your optometrist will check your eyes and update your prescription around four to six weeks after surgery.
Prevention Tips
- Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV-A and UV-B rays, especially in bright conditions
- Stop smoking — smoking roughly doubles the risk of cataract development
- Manage diabetes effectively with good blood sugar control
- Eat a diet rich in antioxidants, including leafy greens, colourful fruits, and oily fish
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Protect your eyes from injury during sport or manual work with appropriate eyewear
- Attend regular eye tests so cataracts can be monitored from the earliest stages
When to See an Optician
Book an eye test if you notice your vision becoming gradually blurred, misty, or if glare is increasingly troublesome — your optometrist can assess whether cataracts are developing and advise on the right time for referral.
Key Facts
- Category
- Age-related condition
- Typically Affects
- Over 60 (most common), but can occur at any age
- Key Symptoms
- 7 identified symptoms
Detecting Cataracts
The following eye tests can help detect signs of cataracts:
- Standard eye test
- OCT retinal scan
- Visual field test
Protect your vision with a regular eye test
Early detection is key. A routine eye test can identify signs of cataracts before symptoms become noticeable. Book yours today.
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