Cataracts

What are the symptoms of cataracts?

Cataracts don’t usually appear all at once, they tend to build up slowly over time. So, what is the first sign of cataracts? You might notice:

• Blurry or cloudy vision

• Trouble seeing at night 

• Glare or halos around lights

• Colours looking faded or yellow 

• Needing brighter light for reading 

• Vision that feels “misty” or dim 

 One of the first signs of cataracts is needing to change your glasses more often, but still not seeing clearly. 

Not sure how to tell if you have cataracts? If your vision still feels dim or blurry, even with the right glasses, it’s worth booking an eye test. We’ll check your eyes and explain what’s going on. 

Cataracts don’t usually cause eye pain, so if you’re experiencing discomfort in or around your eye, it could be another issue, and it’s worth getting checked. 

Stages of cataracts

1. 1.

   Early‑stage cataracts: The lens starts to become cloudy, but it’s often too mild to cause symptoms. You may not even realise you have a cataract until it’s picked up during a routine eye test. 

2. 2.

   Developing cataracts: The cloudiness spreads, and you might notice blurry or cloudy vision, glare from lights, or struggling to see in dim light. You may also need to update your glasses prescription more often. 

3. 3.

   Mature cataracts: The lens is very cloudy, making it hard to see clearly. Colours may look faded, and tasks like reading or driving become difficult. This is when cataract surgery is usually recommended. 

4. 4.

   Hypermature cataracts: If cataracts are left untreated for a long time, they can become hypermature, where the lens hardens and can shrink, sometimes leaking fluid. This can raise the risk of inflammation or pressure inside the eye. Cataract surgery is needed at this point to prevent complications.

How are cataracts diagnosed?

At your eye test, your optometrist will chat with you about any changes you’ve noticed in your sight and how it’s affecting your daily life. This helps us understand your symptoms and decide which checks you need.

We’ll carry out a few simple, painless tests to look for signs of cataracts: 

• Visual acuity test: You’ll read letters on a Snellen chart to check how clearly you’re seeing and spot any changes in your vision since your last eye test.

• Slit lamp examination: We use a special microscope with a bright light to check the front of your eye in detail, including the lens.

• Retinal examination: We may use eye drops to dilate your pupils so we can get a better view of the back of your eye, including the retina and optic nerve.

• Refraction test: We check if a new glasses prescription improves your vision. If it doesn’t, it could point towards cataracts or another underlying cause.

If we diagnose cataracts, we’ll explain what’s happening, answer any questions, and talk you through your options, including monitoring your cataracts or referring you for cataract surgery.

Can cataracts be prevented? 

There’s no guaranteed way to stop cataracts from developing. But there are a few simple things you can do to protect your eyes and lower your risk: 

1. 1.

   Wear sunglasses: UV light can speed up cataract development. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection helps shield your eyes.

2. 2.

   Manage long‑term health conditions: If you have diabetes or take steroid medication, regular check‑ups and managing your condition can reduce your risk.  

3. 3.

   Eat well: A diet rich in leafy greens, fruit and veg is good for your overall eye health.

4. 4.

   Avoid smoking: Smoking increases your risk of cataracts and other eye problems. Stopping can make a real difference for your vision in the long‑term.