Common age-related eye condition
Cataracts
Cataracts can make vision look cloudy, hazy, glary, or less clear over time.
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye. Cataracts are very common as people get older, although they can occasionally occur earlier for other reasons.
Cataracts usually develop gradually. At first they may cause only small changes, but over time they can affect reading, driving, night vision, glare, colour brightness, and general clarity.
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What causes cataracts?
Cataracts usually form as part of the natural ageing process, but other factors can contribute.
Age-related change
The natural lens inside the eye becomes less clear over time. This is the most common reason cataracts develop.
Health and medication factors
Some medical conditions, eye conditions, injuries, and medications can increase the chance of cataracts developing earlier.
UV and lifestyle factors
Long-term UV exposure and smoking are among the factors that may contribute to cataract development.
Cataracts are common, but timing varies
Many people develop cataracts gradually as they get older. Some cataracts cause little trouble for years, while others begin to affect daily tasks sooner.
Possible signs of cataracts
Cataract symptoms can be subtle at first and may change slowly over time.
Cloudy or hazy vision
Vision may seem misty, dull, smeary, or less sharp, even with glasses.
Glare and night driving difficulty
Bright lights, headlights, sun glare, or night driving may become more uncomfortable or difficult.
Changes in colour or contrast
Colours may seem less bright, and low-contrast tasks may become harder.
How cataracts affect vision
The lens inside the eye normally helps focus light clearly onto the retina. When the lens becomes cloudy, less clear light reaches the back of the eye.
Cataracts can scatter light, reduce contrast, increase glare, and make the prescription change. This can make glasses less effective than they used to be.
An eye exam can help determine whether vision changes are likely due to cataract, prescription change, dry eye, or another eye health issue.
Sudden vision changes are not typical cataract symptoms
Cataracts usually change gradually. Sudden vision loss, new distortion, flashes, a sudden increase in floaters, eye pain, a new shadow or curtain in the vision, or a suddenly red eye should be assessed promptly.
If symptoms are sudden or worrying, please phone us rather than relying on online booking.
How cataracts are assessed
A full eye exam can check whether cataracts are present and whether they are affecting your vision.
Vision and prescription check
We check how clearly you can see and whether an updated prescription may improve your vision.
Slit lamp examination
The optometrist can examine the natural lens and other front-of-eye structures in detail.
Eye health imaging
Our complete eye exam includes OCT and retinal imaging, helping us check the health of the back of the eye as well.
Managing cataracts
The right approach depends on how much the cataract is affecting your vision and daily life.
Updated glasses
In earlier cataract, an updated glasses prescription may help improve clarity, although it will not remove the cataract itself.
Glare protection
Sunglasses, lens coatings, and good lighting may help with glare or contrast problems for some people.
Monitoring
If the cataract is not yet causing significant problems, it may simply be monitored during routine eye exams.
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When cataract surgery may be considered
Cataract surgery may be considered when cataracts are affecting day-to-day activities such as reading, driving, work, hobbies, or general independence.
During cataract surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens implant. The final decision about surgery and lens implant choices is made with an eye specialist.
If surgery seems appropriate, we can discuss referral options and help explain what information the specialist may need.
Related eye health checks
Blurry or cloudy vision is not always caused by cataracts. A full eye exam helps check for other possible causes.
Macula checks
The macula is responsible for central detailed vision. Macula changes can also affect reading and detail.
Glaucoma checks
Glaucoma can affect peripheral vision and may not cause obvious early symptoms, so routine eye health checks matter.
Diabetic eye checks
Diabetes can affect the blood vessels at the back of the eye and may need regular monitoring.
Do cataracts always need surgery?
No. Many cataracts are monitored for some time before surgery is needed. Surgery is usually considered when vision is affecting everyday life.
Can glasses fix cataracts?
Glasses may improve vision in earlier cataract, especially if the prescription has changed. However, glasses cannot remove the cataract.
Are cataracts painful?
Typical age-related cataracts are not usually painful. Eye pain, redness, or sudden vision changes should be assessed promptly.
Can cataracts affect driving?
Yes. Cataracts can affect clarity, glare, contrast, and night driving. If you are concerned about driving vision, book an eye exam.
Concerned about cataracts?
You can book online, phone us, or call in and see us at Waipapa Eyecare.
For urgent eye problems, sudden vision changes, flashes, floaters, eye pain, or injury, please phone us rather than using online booking.