Cataract

Key Points

Overview

Commonly affected areas:

A cataract forms when proteins in the eye's lens break down and clump together, making the normally clear lens cloudy. Light can no longer pass through clearly, so vision becomes blurry, dim or washed out. Cataracts usually develop gradually over years and can affect one or both eyes. They are most often linked to ageing but can also result from diabetes, injury, certain medicines or be present at birth. Early cataracts may be managed with stronger glasses, but once vision affects daily life, surgery to replace the lens is the standard and highly effective treatment.

Signs and Symptoms

People with a cataract may experience:

• Blurry, cloudy or dim vision that glasses no longer fully correct
• Increased sensitivity to glare from sunlight, headlights or lamps
• Halos or rings around lights, especially at night
• Colours that look faded or yellowish
• Frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescription
• Double vision in one eye in some cases

Things That Increase the Risk

Your risk of developing a cataract may be higher with:

• Increasing age, especially over 60
• Diabetes
• Long-term use of steroid medicines
• Smoking and heavy alcohol use
• Prolonged sun exposure without UV eye protection
• Previous eye injury, surgery or inflammation

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves:

• Visual acuity (eye chart) test
• Slit-lamp examination of the lens
• Dilated eye exam to check the retina
• Eye pressure measurement (tonometry)
• Biometry to calculate lens power before surgery

Treatment & Management

• Use brighter lighting for reading and close work
• Wear anti-glare sunglasses outdoors
• Use magnifying lenses when needed
• Avoid night driving if glare affects you

• Updated glasses prescription for early cataract
• Phacoemulsification with a lens implant
• Laser-assisted cataract surgery
• Premium lenses to reduce dependence on glasses

Prevention

Steps that may help include:

Age-related cataracts cannot always be prevented, but healthy habits may help slow their development.

• Wear UV-protective sunglasses outdoors
• Stop smoking and limit alcohol
• Keep diabetes well controlled
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Have regular eye exams, especially after 40

Related Conditions

You might also want to learn about:

• Glaucoma
• Diabetic Retinopathy
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration
• Presbyopia