My wife and I both had bi-lateral cataract surgery in 2025 and for anyone else affected by cataracts I would say, don't worry. Cataract surgery is easy, completely painless and changes your life. I had been warned about 6 or 7 years ago that I had cataracts but as they develop over time action is not taken until they begin to affect day to day life.
In summer 2024 I began to notice that overhead lighting became glaring and noticed foggy areas in my vision. I consulted an Optometrist at my local opticians and he recommended cataract surgery, referring me the same day under the NHS. Naturally, I expected a protracted wait for an initial appointment but was pleasantly surprised when, a day later, I received an invitation on my NHS App to book an appointment.
I was offered a choice of clinics to choose from as the NHS now offers treatment in private hospitals and I booked an appointment for 7 days later with SpaMedica at their hospital less than 2 miles from my home. All the information I needed was provided by email and in the post so that when I arrived I was fully prepared. The first appointment is always for assessment of the cataracts, how developed are they, was I suitable for surgery and was my health likely to be affected. Thankfully, after about 2.5 hours I was approved for surgery and offered a surgery appointment just 2 days later but I had to defer this until the start of 2025 due to holiday commitments.
I am pleased to say that my first surgery and the subsequent surgery on my other eye went without any hitches and now, in summer 2025 I have 20/20 distance vision. Unfortunately, I now need glasses for reading and computer working but it's a small price to pay.
Unfortunately, I developed secondary cataracts in both eyes which is not uncommon and I am having YAG Laser Treatment to correct this condition.
Cataracts are one of the most common causes of vision impairment worldwide, particularly in older adults. They develop when the normally clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurred vision, glare, and in severe cases, blindness. While cataracts can sound alarming, they are highly treatable, especially with modern surgical techniques. This article explores what cataracts are, how they affect people, and the treatments available.
What Are Cataracts?
The eye’s lens is normally clear, focusing light onto the retina to produce sharp images. A cataract occurs when proteins within the lens clump together, causing it to lose its transparency. This results in light scattering inside the eye, making vision appear cloudy or blurred.
Cataracts usually develop gradually over years, though in some cases, they can appear more rapidly, particularly after injury or certain medical conditions.
Symptoms of Cataracts
Not everyone notices cataracts at first, but common symptoms include:
- Cloudy or blurred vision.
- Sensitivity to bright lights or glare, especially when driving at night.
- Colours appearing faded or yellowed.
- Frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions.
- Double vision in one eye.
- Trouble reading or recognising faces in low light.
“I felt as if I was looking through a foggy window — no matter how many times I cleaned my glasses, the world just wouldn’t clear up.” – A cataract patient
Types of Cataracts
Not all cataracts are the same. The type often depends on where in the lens they develop:
- Nuclear cataracts: Form in the centre of the lens and often cause gradual yellowing or browning of vision.
- Cortical cataracts: Affect the outer edges of the lens, leading to streaks or wedges of cloudiness that interfere with light entering the eye.
- Posterior subcapsular cataracts: Develop at the back of the lens and often cause glare, halos, and difficulty reading.
- Congenital cataracts: Present from birth or develop in early childhood, though they are rare.
Causes and Risk Factors
The most common cause of cataracts is aging. However, several other factors increase the risk:
- Age: Natural changes in lens proteins make cataracts more likely with time.
- Genetics: Family history can play a role.
- Medical conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity raise risk.
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol use, and poor diet contribute to development.
- Eye injuries or surgery: Trauma can accelerate cataract formation.
- UV exposure: Long-term sunlight exposure without protection damages the lens.
The Impact on Daily Life
Cataracts can make everyday tasks increasingly difficult. People often struggle with:
- Driving safely, especially at night due to glare from headlights.
- Reading small print, even with strong glasses.
- Recognising faces or watching television clearly.
- Distinguishing between colours, particularly blues and purples.
For many, the slow decline in vision can lead to frustration, reduced independence, and in some cases, social withdrawal. Falls and accidents may also become more likely.
Diagnosis
Cataracts are diagnosed during a comprehensive eye exam. Tests may include:
- Visual acuity test: Reading letters on a chart to measure sharpness of vision.
- Slit-lamp examination: Using a microscope to look at the eye structures in detail.
- Retinal exam: Dilating the pupils to check the back of the eye.
Treatment Options
In the early stages, stronger glasses, brighter lighting, or magnifying lenses may help. However, cataracts cannot be cured with medication — the only definitive treatment is surgery.
Cataract Surgery
Cataract surgery is one of the most common and successful operations worldwide. The cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). The procedure is usually quick, safe, and done under local anaesthetic.
Benefits of Surgery
- Restores clear vision in the vast majority of patients.
- Improves independence and quality of life.
- Reduces the risk of falls and accidents.
Risks
As with any surgery, there are risks, though complications are uncommon. Potential issues include infection, swelling, or retinal detachment, but these are rare when the procedure is performed by experienced surgeons.
Living with Cataracts Before Surgery
While waiting for surgery or if symptoms are mild, people can make lifestyle adjustments such as:
- Wearing sunglasses to reduce glare.
- Using brighter lighting when reading or cooking.
- Driving less at night or avoiding it altogether.
- Ensuring regular eye check-ups to monitor progression.
Prevention and Reducing Risk
Although cataracts cannot always be prevented, steps to reduce risk include:
- Wearing UV-protective sunglasses outdoors.
- Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants.
- Quitting smoking and reducing alcohol intake.
- Managing health conditions such as diabetes.
- Having regular eye exams, especially after the age of 60.
Conclusion
Cataracts are a natural part of ageing for many people, but they do not need to mean a life of poor vision. With effective treatments — particularly surgery — most people regain clear sight and return to their normal activities. Raising awareness of cataract symptoms and treatment options helps ensure timely diagnosis and better quality of life for millions worldwide.