You are here: / / / Cataracts

Cataracts

A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside your eye, that normally develops very slowly.

Developing cataracts will cause your sight to become cloudy and misty, you may be more sensitive to light, with everything appearing a little more washed out.

You may or may not notice the changes and symptoms but when you have your regular eye test, your Optician may detect them.

This is a normal part of growing older, but most people start to develop cataracts after the age of 65. There may be certain things that make them more likely to develop such as:

  • Diabetes- may cause cataracts to develop earlier.
  • Trauma- eye injury can make cataracts develop.
  • Medications- such as steroids.
  • High Myopia (being very short sighted)
  • Eye conditions such as Retinitis Pigmentosa and Glaucoma may cause cataracts.
  • Eye surgery- surgery for a retinal problem may result in cataracts at some point in the future.

Cataracts are treated by surgery, during which the cloudy lens is removed and replaced by an artificial lens. There aren’t any drops or medicine that can remove cataracts. There is nothing you can do to stop cataracts developing or getting worse, however it’s a good idea to protect your eyes from ultraviolet light.

If you have cataracts in both eyes, they will be removed separately. One eye will be operated on and once the eye is healed, you’ll have the other cataract removed. This is undertaken through day surgery.

For further information or to arrange a visit to our support centre please call 01245 933572 or email info@support4sight.org.uk. Or visit the RNIB website www.rnib.org.uk

Cataracts FAQs

Cataracts are a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. Cataracts can lead to a decrease in vision or from seeing at all.

This condition typically develops slowly and can affect one or both eyes.

Cataracts are primarily caused by ageing. They are most common in people who are over 60.

Other factors include diabetes, smoking, prolonged exposure to sunlight, and excessive alcohol consumption. Some cataracts are congenital or develop due to eye injuries or surgeries.

Some common symptoms include:

  • Blurred vision
  • Difficulty seeing at night
  • Sensitivity to light and glare
  • Fading of colours

Cataracts are diagnosed through an eye exam, which includes a visual acuity test, a dilated eye exam, and tonometry to measure eye pressure. Your eye doctor may also perform a slit-lamp examination.

While there is no proven way to prevent cataracts, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, wearing sunglasses to protect against UV rays, and avoiding smoking may reduce the risk.

There are several types of cataracts:

  • Nuclear Sclerotic Cataracts – affect the centre (nucleus) of the lens
  • Cortical Cataracts – affect the edges
  • Posterior Subcapsular cataracts – affect the back of the lens
  • Congenital Cataracts – present at birth or develop during childhood

When cataracts interfere with daily activities, surgery is the only effective treatment to improve your eyesight. During cataract surgery, the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial one.

Full recovery can take about 2 to 6 weeks. Your eye doctor will provide specific post-surgery care instructions.

Many people experience improved vision and may not need glasses for distance vision. However, reading glasses or glasses for close-up tasks may still be necessary.

Cataracts do not return after surgery.

However, some people may develop a condition called Posterior Capsular Opacification (PCO). PCO is a common complication that can occur after cataract surgery, where the back of the lens capsule (which holds the artificial lens in place) becomes cloudy, leading to blurred vision. PCO is sometimes referred to as a “secondary cataract,” and it can be effectively treated with a quick and painless laser procedure called YAG laser capsulotomy.

Our Impact 2025-26

85%

of survey respondents said we increased their sense of

choice & control

“An excellent time spent hearing about everything that is available to help visually impaired people achieve as much confidence and independence as we can.”

85%

of respondents said we increased their feeling of

social inclusion

Image of 10 people from support 4 sight

“I enjoy talking and laughing with other service users and have learnt so much…I feel like I’ve come away with 12 new friends.”

86%

of respondents said we helped improve their

emotional wellbeing

“I’m so happy you called. I really look forward to it and it cheers me up.”

90%

of respondents said we were good or excellent with our

quality services

Volunteer showing equipment

“You’ve made me feel like having a disability doesn’t define you as a person, and that I can actually get to where I need to be in the future.”

Donate Today!

Legal

Cookie Policy

Privacy Policy

Sign-up to our Newsletter

Read our latest Newsletter online

Sightline Newsletter

Download Events Booklet 2026

Events & Activities

Contact Us

Telephone: 01245 933572
Email: info@support4sight.org.uk

Support 4 Sight
17 Cottage Place
Chelmsford
Essex
CM1 1NL

Follow us

© Copyright - Support 4 Sight 2026. Registered Charity No. 1169324
Accessibility by WAH