Cataracts: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatments

What is a Cataract?

Our eyes have a clear film called the lens. The lens helps the eye to focus light. A cataract is when the lens becomes misty, cloudy or completely opaque, which means it can no longer focus light as well as it should. As a result, a persons vision becomes blurred and it can become difficult to complete everyday tasks such as reading and driving.

Here, we explore some of the most commonly asked questions about this common sight loss condition, looking at symptoms and treatment options.

What causes cataracts?

Cataracts form when the proteins in the lens of the eye start to break down and clump together – this is what we call a cataract. When a cataract develops, the lens becomes cloudy and stops the light rays passing through to the retina, causing vision to become blurred. They usually form slowly and do not impact the eyesight at first, but cause a gradual blurring of vision as time goes on.

Cataracts usually affect people over the age of 60 and are more common in women. They are also more likely to develop as a result of UV exposure, family history, eye injuries, and some medications.

People most at risk of developing cataracts are those who:

have previously had an eye injury or undergone eye surgery
have another eye condition
smoke
have a close relative with the condition, such as a parent or sibling
regularly expose their eyes to a lot of sunlight without protection

What are the symptoms of cataracts?

When the cataract is mild or in its early stages, symptoms may not be obvious. But as the cataract matures or worsens, a person may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

Halos and glare: street lights, sunlight, and other sources of light may appear too bright
Inability to see well even with prescription glasses or lenses: a person may think that their prescription needs to be changed
Reduced night vision and difficulty seeing in the dark: people who drive often report that they can no longer drive at night
Double vision: this can happen when the cataract gets larger and often happens in one eye
Eyes may appear cloudy and opaque: this occurs as the cataract matures
Sensitivity to light: this can cause headaches and watery eyes
Reduced colour vision: colours do not appear as vivid or sharp, for example reds may appear washed out or even pink, and some advise of a yellowish tinge to colours
Blurred vision: this often begins with patches of blurred or misty vision which become larger as the cataract develops

How are cataracts diagnosed?

Often cataracts are diagnosed at routine eye appointments, so it's important to get your eyes checked regularly.

Your optician may suspect a cataract and refer you to the hospital to see an ophthalmologist eye specialist.

Whilst there, they conduct an eye examination called a Retinal Exam which involves putting eye drops into your eyes to widen or dilate your pupil, thus making it easier for them to see into the back of your eye using a ophthalmoscope or slit lamp.

What are the treatment options for cataracts?

Lifestyle changes can’t reverse cataracts once it affects daily life, and surgery is the only effective treatment.

The surgery involves a local anaesthetic and sometimes in certain cases a general anaesthetic. In this procedure, the damaged lens is removed and an artificial lens is inserted.

During the surgery, your ophthalmologist will remove the clump of proteins from your lens. The lens capsule, which is the clear part, will stay in place to support a new lens.

Whilst you wait for surgery, there are some small changes you can make to manage some of the symptoms, including:

Changing your prescription glasses to help improve vision.
Wearing sunglasses, UV filters, or a hat with a rim to reduce the effects of glare from light sources.
Check with your GP or ophthalmologist if you can take painkillers, such as paracetamol, to help manage headaches if this is something you experience.

Living with sight loss from cataracts

Cataracts is a treatable condition and needn't be scary.

Your eyecare professional - optician and ophthalmologist - is the best resource for advice and guidance, and will help you better understand what options are available to you, and can answer any questions, concerns or anxieties you may have about having a cataract, the surgery, after care and recovery

You can also get in touch with Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans through our freephone Information Line for support. We can provide you with advice and guidance to help you live well and stay safe both at home and outside.

Sight Scotland: Call our Information Line free on 0800 024 8973.

Sight Scotland Veterans: call our veteran’s Information Line free on 0800 035 6409.

Both lines are open Monday to Thursday 10am to 4pm and on Friday 10am to 3pm.