A cataract is a cloudiness of the natural lens of the eye.

Cataracts develop as a normal part of ageing, slowly over many years and at different rates for different people. By the age of 70, nearly everyone has some degree of cataract however, visual symptoms vary.

Once the cataract interferes with daily activities such as reading and driving, a person usually seeks expert advice. Diabetes, various eye diseases, eye injury or excessive exposure to ultraviolet light can hasten the development of cataracts.

Early symptoms include glare and sensitivity to bright light. Later, as the cataract continues to worsen, haloes may appear around lights as light passing through the cataract is decreased and scattered. Vision often becomes blurred, hazy and foggy. If left untreated, progressive vision loss can occur.

Decision to have cataract surgery

As you make the decision whether to have surgery, make sure that you understand the risks, benefits and limitations of surgery.

If you do not have surgery, your symptoms and condition may continue to worsen. Once a lens becomes cloudy, it will not recover its normal clarity.

To learn more about cataract surgery