Cataracts

A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside your eye which causes your sight to become cloudy and misty. Cataracts are treated by surgery, during which the cloudy lens is removed and replaced by an artificial lens.

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Cataracts Information and Support

RNIB provide you information on cataracts, from the point of diagnosis to recovery after surgery.

General Information

Do I have cataracts?
What can be done about cataracts?
Why have I developed cataracts?

Living well with Cataracts

Mobile phones
Driving and public transport
Home adjustments
Managing anxiety

Surgery Information

What is cataracts surgery?
When should I have surgery
Do I get surgery on the NHS or privately?
When do I select my lens preferences?

After Cataract Surgery

What will my sight be like after surgery?
Dos and Don’ts after surgery
What are the complications
When to seek help

To read more information in pdf format, you can download the Understanding Cataracts booklet produced with the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.

Download our Understanding cataracts booklet (PDF)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of cataracts?

Common symptoms include:

Blurry or cloudy vision
Sensitivity to light and glare
Everything looks slightly washed out
Difficulty seeing at night
Your glasses seem dirty even when they aren’t

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms and haven’t spoken to your optician, it’s crucial that you book an appointment.

What caused my cataracts?

You could have developed cataracts for any of the following reasons: ageing, diabetes, eye surgery, high myopia, other eye conditions (e.g. glaucoma), or an eye injury. Your ophthalmologist will be able to discuss the underlying cause of your cataracts with you.

Are cataracts painful?

Cataracts themselves are not typically painful. In the early stages, you may not even notice any symptoms. However, as cataracts progress and cloudiness in the lens worsens, you may experience changes in vision, such as blurriness or sensitivity to light. If you experience any discomfort related to cataracts, it's essential to consult with your ophthalmologist.

Do cataracts pass from one eye to the other?

Cataracts do not pass directly from one eye to the other like a contagious condition. But if you develop cataracts in one eye, you might be at higher risk of developing them in the other eye if you have underlying risk factors such as ageing, genetics or certain medical conditions.

Can I drive with cataracts?

Driving with cataracts can be dangerous as they can significantly affect your vision. Speak to your optician to assess if it’s safe for you to drive.

Do I need surgery?

Cataracts can be removed at any stage and you don’t need to wait for them to ‘ripen’ before having surgery. Whether or not you need surgery right away depends on the severity of your cataracts and how they affect your vision and quality of life.

In some cases, early-stage cataracts might not impact your vision and updating your glasses prescription or using brighter lighting might be enough. However, as cataracts progress, surgery may be the best option.

How safe is the surgery and does it hurt?

Cataracts surgery is the most commonly performed operation in the UK and has a 95% average success rate.

During the surgery, you will most likely be under local anaesthetic so you won’t feel any pain. It’s one of the quickest operations. The actual surgery only lasts about 20 minutes and you will only have to be at the hospital for the day.

What are common side effects of surgery?

While cataract surgery is generally safe and effective, common side effects include:

Temporary blurred vision
Sensitivity to light and glare
Dry eyes
Minor discomfort or irritation
Seeing halos around lights

Most of these side effects resolve within a few days as the eyes heal. You can discuss these with your ophthalmologist at your pre-operative appointment.

Will I need to wear glasses after my surgery?

Most people will still need glasses to make their vision clear at one or more distances - these will most likely be different to the glasses you had before surgery.

Can cataracts come back after surgery?

Once a cataract is removed, it cannot come back.

What if I don’t have cataract surgery?

If left untreated, cataracts can progressively worsen and continue to impact your quality of life. The decision to have surgery is a personal one that should be made with the guidance and support of your ophthalmologist.