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Cataracts

Understand how cataracts develop, how they affect vision, and what to expect at every stage — from early signs to recovery after treatment. Clear, specialist-led information to help you recognise changes early and make informed decisions about your eye health.
What Are Cataracts?
Understand what cataracts are and how they affect your vision.
Cataract Symptoms
Recognise the common signs and early symptoms of cataracts.
What Causes Cataracts
Learn what causes cataracts and who is most at risk.
Can cataracts be prevented?
Practical steps to reduce your risk of developing cataracts.
Cataract screening
How cataracts are detected during routine eye examinations.
Cataract diagnosis
What to expect during a specialist cataract assessment.
Cataract Treatment Overview
An overview of how cataracts are managed and treated.
Cataract surgery
How cataract surgery works and when it is recommended.
Cataract Surgery Lens Options
Explore the different intraocular lens options available.
Cataract surgery recovery
What to expect during recovery after cataract surgery.
Cataract surgery risks
Understanding the potential risks and complications of surgery.

Additional Cataracts Resources

Cataracts resources for Patients

Clear, practical guidance to help you prepare for consultations, understand treatment options, and feel confident in your decisions.

Cataracts resources for Healthcare Professionals

Information for optometrists and referring doctors, including referral considerations and collaborative care.

How to use this Cataracts guide

Cataracts develop gradually, and most patients move through a sequence of stages:

  • Noticing early visual changes
  • Understanding possible causes
  • Undergoing assessment and diagnosis
  • Considering treatment options
  • Recovering after intervention

 

You can explore each stage below depending on your situation.

Cataracts are one of the most common causes of gradual vision loss, particularly with increasing age. Despite their frequency, many patients are unsure how cataracts develop, when they become significant, and when treatment is necessary.

A cataract occurs when the natural lens of the eye becomes progressively cloudy, affecting how light is transmitted to the retina. This can result in blurred vision, glare, reduced contrast sensitivity, and difficulty performing everyday tasks.

Importantly, cataracts do not present in the same way for every patient. Early symptoms may be subtle and easily overlooked, while more advanced changes can significantly impact independence and quality of life.

This guide is designed to provide a clear, structured understanding of cataracts — from early signs through to diagnosis, treatment, and recovery — so that you can take the right steps at the right time.

View Video75% of patients who have had cataract surgery wish they’d had it sooner, so why wait? Cataract surgery is low risk and immediately benefits your vision. This video introduces cataracts and starts the patient on their cataract surgery journey.

When to seek assesment

You should consider a specialist eye assessment if you experience:

  • Gradual or unexplained vision changes
  • Increasing glare or difficulty driving at night
  • Reduced clarity despite updated glasses
  • Visual symptoms affecting work or daily activities

Cataracts are often only one part of a broader visual assessment. In some cases, symptoms attributed to cataracts may be influenced by other conditions such as retinal disease, glaucoma, or systemic health factors.

A comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation ensures that:

  • the correct diagnosis is made
  • co-existing conditions are identified
  • treatment decisions are appropriate and timely

 

This is particularly important in patients with diabetes, vascular conditions, or complex visual symptoms.