Cataracts: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Cataract symptoms usually develop gradually. Because they don't normally cause pain, you may not notice the changes immediately.

Common symptoms of cataracts include:

- Blurred, cloudy or misty vision

- Difficulty seeing clearly in low light

- Difficulty seeing when driving at night

- Increased sensitivity to bright lights or glare

- Halos around lights

- Colours appearing faded, less vivid or slightly yellow

- Needing brighter light to read comfortably

- Double vision in some cases

- Needing to change your glasses prescription more often than usual

There's no single first sign that everyone experiences. Early cataracts can be subtle, and some people might not have many noticeable symptoms at first.

You might first notice that your vision isn't as crisp as it used to be, that colours look less vivid or that you're finding it harder to see in low light. Another possible sign is needing changes to your glasses prescription more frequently but still feeling that your vision isn't quite as clear as you'd expect.

If something about your vision doesn't feel right, you don't need to work out the cause yourself. Your optometrist can examine your eyes and talk through what you've noticed.

There are several types of cataracts, and each is named according to the part of the lens where the clouding develops.

The three main types of cataracts are:

These develop in the central part of the lens, known as the nucleus. They are commonly associated with ageing and can develop gradually.

These affect the outer part of the lens. They can cause changes in the way light passes through the eye and may cause problems with glare or contrast in your vision.

These develop towards the back of the lens. They can affect vision particularly when reading or in bright light.

The type of cataract you have isn't always obvious from your symptoms alone. An optometrist can examine your eyes to identify changes to the lens and explain whether your symptoms might be linked to a certain cataract type.

Cataracts can often be identified during a routine eye examination.

Your optometrist will talk to you about your vision and any changes you've noticed before carrying out the examinations needed to assess your sight and eye health.

Here’s what to expect if you visit a Bayfields optometrist with concerns about cataract symptoms:

You'll have time to explain any changes you've noticed and how your symptoms are affecting you day to day.

Your optometrist will assess how clearly you're seeing and whether your prescription needs changing.

Your optometrist will examine the front structures of your eyes, including the lens, as well as the health of the retina and other structures at the back of your eye.

Additional examinations or imaging may be recommended if your optometrist needs more information.

If your optometrist identifies signs of cataracts or anything else that needs further assessment, they'll explain what they've found and advise you on next steps.

Our 45-minute eye appointments give you time to talk through changes in your vision, have your eyes thoroughly examined and understand what your results mean.

The appropriate treatment depends on how much the cataract is affecting your vision and your everyday life.

If a cataract is mild and isn't significantly affecting your daily activities, treatment may not be needed straight away.

Your optometrist can monitor your eyes and help you manage changes to your vision. Updating your glasses prescription or making simple changes like improving lighting for everyday tasks can make daily life more comfortable while the cataract remains mild.

If a cataract starts to have a more serious impact on your vision and daily life, cataract surgery might be recommended.

Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy natural lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. It is generally carried out under local anaesthetic, and many people return home the same day.

We don’t provide cataract surgery at Bayfields. If your optometrist believes you may benefit from cataract surgery, they’ll discuss the options available to you and talk you through the next stage of your journey.

Cataracts can have an impact on the things you do every day, particularly as your vision becomes cloudier or more affected by glare.

You might find that you:

- Need brighter lighting to read comfortably

- Find night-time driving more difficult

- Struggle to recognise faces as easily as you used to

- Notice colours aren't as clear or vivid

- Find screens or reading more tiring

- Feel less confident carrying out familiar activities

You may still be able to manage these changes when a cataract is mild. But if your vision is starting to get in the way of the things you enjoy, it's worth talking to an optometrist.

There's no guaranteed way to prevent cataracts from developing, particularly when they're associated with natural changes as you get older.

However, looking after your overall health and protecting your eyes gives you the best chance of maintaining healthy vision.

Simple steps for keeping your eyes healthy include:

Wearing sunglasses with suitable UV protection can help protect your eyes when you're outdoors.

Along with many other health problems, smoking is associated with an increased risk of developing cataracts. If you smoke, stopping can have benefits for your overall health as well as your eyes.

Some health conditions, including diabetes, can increase your risk of cataracts. Following the advice you're given for managing any long-term condition is an important part of looking after your wider health.

A varied, balanced diet provides the nutrients your body needs to support overall health, including healthy eyes.

Even if your vision seems fine, regular eye examinations give your optometrist an opportunity to check for changes you may not have noticed yourself.