Cataracts are when the lens inside your eye becomes cloudy. The lens is normally clear and helps focus light. Cataracts usually develop slowly with age, and most people over 65 have some cloudiness in their lens.
Symptoms
- blurred, cloudy or misty sight
- colours looking faded
- finding lights too bright or glaring, especially when driving at night
- seeing a halo around lights
- needing new glasses more often
Cataracts are not painful and do not make your eyes red.
What raises the risk?
- getting older
- diabetes
- taking steroids for a long time
- smoking and drinking a lot of alcohol
- a family history, or an eye injury
Getting diagnosed
An optometrist (optician) can spot cataracts during a routine eye test. If they are affecting your daily life, they can refer you to a hospital eye clinic.
Read about cataract surgery.
Common questions
Can cataracts come back after surgery?
The cataract cannot come back, but in some people the back of the new lens capsule becomes cloudy months or years later. This is easily treated with a quick laser treatment.
Do I need to tell the DVLA about cataracts?
You only need to tell the DVLA if your sight no longer meets the standard for driving. You must be able to read a number plate from 20 metres, with glasses if you need them.
Sources we used
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