Overview
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye, most often due to ageing. Vision slowly becomes hazy or dim, colours fade, and glare from lights becomes bothersome — like looking through a fogged window. Cataracts cannot be treated with drops or glasses once they mature; a short, safe operation replaces the cloudy lens with a clear artificial one and restores sight in most people.
Symptoms
- Gradually blurring or hazy vision
- Glare and halos around lights, especially at night
- Colours appearing faded or yellowish
- Frequent changes in spectacle power
- Needing brighter light to read
When to see a doctor
See an eye specialist when blurred vision, glare or frequent spectacle changes start interfering with reading, driving or daily work — surgery timing is a quality-of-life decision.
Causes
Ageing is the main cause; diabetes, smoking, prolonged sun exposure, steroid use and eye injuries speed it up. Some children are born with cataracts.