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Cataracts develop gradually, often starting with subtle changes in vision. These early symptoms can indicate that cataracts are forming and may eventually require medical attention or surgery. Let’s explore each symptom in more detail:
1. Cloudy vision
Your vision may become blurry, foggy, or filmy, making it difficult to see faces, objects or text clearly. A bit like you’re looking through a fogged-up window. You may also notice that the way you perceive colours changes, making them look less vibrant or faded.
2. Changes in colour vision
Colours may lose their vibrancy and take on a muted, washed-out appearance. As cataracts advance, this can lead to a yellowish or brownish tint overlaying your vision, altering how you see the world. For instance, white objects may appear beige and bright tones may seem less distinct. This change can make tasks like distinguishing between similar shades or tones increasingly difficult.
3. Glare while driving
Glare sensitivity is one of the most noticeable symptoms of cataracts. When driving, you may struggle with bright sunlight or artificial lights such as streetlights and headlights from oncoming vehicles. These light sources may appear overly intense, with halos or rings forming around them. This can make night driving particularly unsafe and stressful, as it reduces your ability to judge distances and spot hazards.
4. Difficulty with reading
Posterior subcapsular cataracts, which form at the back of the lens, often affect reading and close-up work. You may find it increasingly difficult to focus on text or objects in bright environments, such as when reading outdoors. Low lighting can make this worse, forcing you to rely on stronger glasses or brighter light sources.
5. Frequent glasses prescription changes
In the early stages, cataracts can mimic other issues, causing frequent changes in your prescription glasses or contact lenses. However, these adjustments only provide temporary improvement. As the cataract progresses, the cloudiness in your lens will make glasses less effective, and you’ll find that even the latest prescription no longer offers clear vision.
6. Double-vision or ghosting of images
Cataracts can distort the way light enters the eye, leading to double or “ghosted” images. This is particularly noticeable when you use only one eye. If a simple test of closing one eye doesn’t resolve the problem, a cataract may be the culprit. This double vision can make reading, watching television or recognising faces frustrating.
7. Halos around lights
Seeing bright circles or rings around light sources is another common symptom of cataracts. These can appear especially pronounced in dimly lit environments, such as while driving at night. Halos can make it difficult to distinguish between objects and light sources.
8. Progressive need for brighter light for reading
As cataracts reduce the amount of light that reaches your retina, you may find it harder to see details in dim lighting. Up-close tasks like reading, sewing or working on a computer may require brighter-than-normal lighting.
9. Trouble with night vision
As cataracts develop, they can often interfere with your ability to see clearly at night. This can make it hard to perform activities such as walking in poorly lit areas, finding your way in a dark room, or driving in low-light conditions. Night time vision may become patchy or dim, with surrounding areas appearing shadowy or unfocused.
10. Increased light sensitivity
People suffering from posterior subcapsular cataracts can be particularly susceptible to light sensitivity. You may find yourself squinting or shielding your eyes even in moderately bright environments. This heightened sensitivity can lead to discomfort during daytime activities and may also make transitioning between light and dark spaces more challenging.
11. Visible eye discolouration
One of the most obvious signs you have a cataract is the visible discolouration. In advanced cases, cataracts can cause a visible cloudiness or discoloration in the lens of your eye. This is caused by the build-up of proteins within the lens, which clump together over time. You may notice your eyes appearing greyish or opaque instead of their normal clear, healthy appearance. This visible sign is a clear indication that the cataract has reached a more advanced stage.
As cataracts get worse, vision becomes more cloudy and you might notice worsening of the above eye cataract symptoms.
If you notice one or more of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult an eye care professional. Cataracts are a progressive condition, meaning they worsen over time. Early detection and treatment can help preserve your vision and improve your quality of life.
Did you know?
Around 36 million people across the world are blind. Over 12 million of these are blind due to cataracts1.
What causes cataracts?
Natural ageing changes (most cataracts are formed this way)
Nuclear sclerotic cataracts typically develop with age. They form deep in the central part of the lens and increase gradually
Cortical cataracts can be caused by increased risk factors such as diabetes. This type of cataract begins at the edge of the lens and can be described as gradually moving into the centre in a spoke-like manner. Cortical cataracts can develop quite quickly, over a period of months
Posterior subcapsular cataracts can be caused by taking steroid medication, diabetes, radiation or extreme near-sightedness. This type of cataract forms at the back of the lens. It can make vision blurry and make it difficult to see in bright light. Activities such as driving, especially at night, can be particularly difficult.
How are cataracts diagnosed?
Cataracts can be diagnosed fairly easily by an ophthalmologist or optometrist, through a cataract consultation and an eye examination.
Hear from our expert: “The main signs of having cataracts are cloudy or faded vision, seeing halos around lights, changes in your colour vision, and visible discolouration of your eye.“
If you think you may be developing signs of cataracts, you need a professional eye exam by your eye doctor, optician or ophthalmologist (after referral by your GP).
Cataract treatment options
If your vision problems can be corrected to an acceptable level with glasses or contact lenses, surgery may be avoided at this time. If your vision loss cannot be corrected by the above measures and if this interferes with your daily activities such as driving or watching television, then you may benefit from cataract surgery.
What does cataract surgery involve?
Cataract surgery is the removal of the cataract and insertion of an artificial lens called an Intraocular Lens Implant (IOL) into the eye. Far more than 90% of patients operated on have a significant improvement in their vision.
Cataract surgery usually takes about 15 minutes and most people go home from hospital about two hours later. It is done under local anaesthetic, which means you will be awake during the operation. Most of the time drops will be used to numb the eye.
After the operation, you will need to put drops into your eyes for a few weeks.
The operation can be performed at any stage of cataract development. There is no need to wait until your cataract is “ripe” before removing it. Most people choose to have their cataracts removed when the change in their vision starts to cause them difficulties in everyday life.
Early-stage cataract treatment means you can improve your vision faster and prevent it from worsening. You can learn about cataract surgery waiting times here.
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How to prevent cataracts from getting worse
Lasers are not used to remove cataracts and there is no evidence to suggest that changing your diet, taking vitamins or using eye drops can cure cataracts.
To prevent your cataracts from getting worse, you could try:
ensuring you have regular eye examinations
wear sunglasses when out in the sun
reduce alcohol and smoking
manage other health issues that increase the risk of cataracts, such as diabetes.
Can cataracts be prevented?
To date, there is no proven method of preventing cataracts. It is very important to have regular eye examinations (every two years for adults and then every year after the age of 50) as conditions that may affect your eye health become increasingly common with age.
Cataract risk factors
Please ask your local optician or talk to your doctor if you have any risk factors or indications that cataracts may be affecting your vision. Risk factors for cataracts include:
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Not quite found the information you’re looking for? Our signs and symptoms of cataract FAQs can help!
What is the first sign of cataracts?
If you have a cataract you may experience:
– blurred vision – fading colours – poor night vision – glare when driving at night – glare during the day – double vision – need to change glasses frequently – difficulty in reading / seeing your phone – difficulty in seeing TV text.
What do early stage cataracts look like?
In a healthy eye, the lenses focus the light on a spot on the retina and this gives clear vision. With cataracts, the lens of your eye (which lies behind the iris) becomes increasingly cloudy, like frosted glass and can give you cloudy vision. Your doctor will be able to discuss your symptoms with you and make a decision as to whether they are consistent with the early signs of cataracts.
Can you get cataracts at any age?
Cataracts can start at any age according to the type of cataract, however, the most common form of cataract – nuclear sclerotic – develops over time and due to its nature predominantly affects people over 65 years old.
How quickly do cataracts progress?
Depending on the type of cataract, progression can be months or years. With age related cataracts, progress tends to be over years, as the eye lens hardens and yellow over time. Progress of cataracts can also be influenced by lifestyle, medication or illness.
How do you tell if your cataracts are getting worse?
Regular eye exams will help detect the first signs of a cataract worsening. You may also experience more difficulty with activities such as driving at night or reading. If you suspect a change, you should make an appointment with an optician or ophthalmologist.
What can be mistaken for cataracts?
Glaucoma is often mistaken for cataracts because they’re both typically age-related conditions and cause a loss in sight.
How do you know if you have cataracts or glaucoma?
Regular eye testing is key in monitoring for cataracts and glaucoma. Whilst cataracts are a clouding of the lens, glaucoma is a condition where loss of peripheral vision is caused by damage to the optic nerve. Both cataracts and glaucoma are common eye conditions which share some of the same risk factors.
What are the symptoms of cataracts and glaucoma?
While the main symptoms of cataracts are blurry or cloudy vision, glaucoma can actually cause the eye to be painful. The affected eye may also appear red and irritated.
Can you feel a cataract?
Cataracts do not usually cause pain or discomfort, however, some cataract symptoms can be uncomfortable and affect daily activities, such as; glare, difficulty reading, double vision or sensitivity to light.
Are cataracts painful?
Not as a standalone condition but combined with another condition, they may cause pain. They also don’t make your eyes appear red or irritated.
What do cataracts feel like?
As cataracts are painless until the later stages of the condition, there typically aren’t any physical signs of having them – aside from a cloudy lens.
Can you see cataracts in the mirror?
When a cataract first forms it will be difficult to see with the naked eye, but over time and, if allowed to progress without treatment, a cataract will become visible and look like a cloudy film over the eye.
How do cataracts affect eyesight?
Usually negatively in that they cause sight to deteriorate. You may experience blurry or cloudy vision, poor vision at night, double-vision, or a halo effect around lights.
Dry eyes can be due to several different causes, but cataracts can lead to dry eyes indirectly. Cataracts lead to cloudy vision, if uncorrected, it can lead to blepharitis (inflammation of the lid margins), which could lead to changes in the tear film leading to dry eyes. If you are experiencing dry eyes alongside other eye problems it is always good to see an eye doctor just to be sure.
Do cataracts make your eyes water?
Cataracts lead to cloudy vision, if uncorrected, it can lead to blepharitis (inflammation of the lid margins), which could lead to changes in the tear film leading to dry eyes and watery eyes secondarily. If you are experiencing dry eyes alongside other eye problems it is always good to see an eye doctor just to be sure.
Can you self-test for cataracts?
If you have the symptoms or signs of cataracts described in this article, you can book an appointment with an optician or ophthalmologist. Meeting with a cataract consultant, describing your symptoms and having an eye exam will result in early diagnosis and help you get prompt treatment.
Acknowledgements
This article was completed with the help of Dr Marzena Raszewska-Steglinska. She graduated from medical school in 1991 at the Medical University in Lodz, Poland and completed her speciality training in ophthalmology in 2009. She has over 12 years’ experience working as an ophthalmologist and has a special interest in cataract, eyelid surgery, oculoplastic surgery, and anti-glaucoma treatment. Her aim is to provide the best possible outcome for every patient by focusing on each individual’s needs. She prides herself on being attentive to the smallest details and understands what people need. She is proud of her excellent patient outcome records.
Cataract surgery, Devizes – cannot fault the care and attention
My wife recently had a cataract operation here and cannot fault the care and attention given to her by all the staff involved.
by Chris Longdon, Google
Cataract surgery, Gillingham – everyone very friendly
I went for my cataract assessment today and found everyone very friendly and I was put at ease about the procedure. I feel very relaxed to know that I’ll be in good hands when the time for my surgery arrives.
by Sandra Church, Google
Cataract surgery, Portsmouth – exceedingly courteous and helpful
Appointments staff exceedingly courteous and helpful getting both my elderly parents booked in for appointments on the same day and directly after each other, for eye surgery.
by Paula Stubbs, Google
Cataract surgery, Plymouth – fabulous practice
I had 2 cataract operations by the same surgeon and she was excellent! Both eyes are now perfect and operations went without a hitch! Aftercare was superb!
by Anonymous, Plymouth
Cataract surgery, Gillingham – friendly, caring and professional
Attended for cataract surgery and cannot fault the care I received from every single member of staff. Following a warm and friendly welcome at reception, pre surgery checks were carried out in a friendly, caring and professional manner with everything clearly explained – this carried through to the actual procedure where theatre staff were so kind and reassuring.
by Yvonne Akrill, Google
Cataract surgery, Gillingham – made my experience worry-free
I was very nervous at the start of my visit, but was absolutely amazed at the professional and caring service. The staff were so kind and helpful to make my experience worry free. The Surgeon was excellent and gentle, and I am so glad I had my eye surgery there. 100% a perfect day. Love to you all at Practice Plus Group, Gillingham.
by Philip Bevens, Google
Cataract surgery, Southampton – highly recommend
I highly recommend Practice Plus Group! I had eye surgery yesterday and already can see clearly.
by Dave
Cataract surgery, Gillingham – made to feel safe
My mum is 89 she was very frightened to have her cataract removed but when she got to the Gillingham practice from the start to the end she was made to feel safe with Mr R Govindan and the nurses on his team my mum is looking forward to having her other eye done
by Rosemary Jones, Google
Cataract surgery – quick and well organised
The whole process was very quick and well organised from first contact to being discharged. The initial telephone contact allowed me to ask questions and be directed to the clinic which would best suit my needs. Everyone involved was very friendly and quickly put me at ease. I was always explained choices and not pressured into any response. My concerns were fully answered enabling me to feel confident to go ahead. I loved my consultants humour during the procedure keeping me involved and relaxed. My eyesight is amazing now with no need to wear glasses so I’m extremely satisfied.
by Mary Hillman, Google
Cataract surgery, Rochdale – staff efficient and reassuring
I recently had cataract surgery at Croft Shifa Health Centre, Rochdale, with Practice Plus. I found them excellent and the outcome amazing. From referral by my Optician to the procedure on my second eye it took only 10 weeks, and this was through the NHS route. I was naturally frightened but I found the staff efficient and reassuring. The procedure itself was totally painless and I was given good advice on aftercare. The difference in my vision is just amazing so I am very grateful to Practice Plus. Thank you.
by Liz W, Trust Pilot
Cataract surgery, Devizes – thank you for the great care
Thank you to all the team at Devizes for the great care they gave my dad when he came in for his cataract operation in March. The team were all very caring and efficient looking after him very well. Thanks for the many follow-up phone calls by the team making sure he was followed up by his GP on his return home. Thanks again.
by Alison Packer, Google
Cataract surgery, Rochdale – the care given was second to none
I had my cataracts removed from both eyes at Practice Plus in Rochdale, one in March 2022 and the second in April 2022. The care I was given by everyone involved, from consultant to nursing team to the patient services team was second to none. I will be forever grateful to everyone who looked after me and made my sight better than it has ever been!
