What are cataracts and what are the warning signs and symptoms to know?

Although cataracts can emerge at any stage of life, people are much more likely to develop symptoms aged 60 and over

We asked consultant ophthalmic surgeon Mr Fadi Alfaqawi about common cataract symptoms to look out for, and the best time to seek professional care.

Many of us chalk increasingly blurry vision, faded colours, and struggles with driving in the dark up to fatigue or age —– but these subtle changes could be early signs of a cataract.

Cataracts develop slowly, often without pain, making them easy to overlook until they significantly affect vision.

We asked consultant ophthalmic surgeon Mr Fadi Alfaqawi about common cataract symptoms to look out for, and the best time to seek professional care.

What are cataracts?

“Cataracts are very common. It is when the lens inside your eye becomes cloudy and loses its ability to focus the light on the retina and to transmit enough light to the retina,” says Alfaqawi.

The most common type is called an age-related cataract and you are more likely to develop a cataract if you are aged 60 or over.

However, younger people can also develop cataracts.

“For example, newborns can develop congenital cataracts,” says Alfaqawi.

These cataracts present when a baby is born or shortly afterwards.

People can also develop traumatic cataracts later in life.

“When people experience a trauma or injury to the eye, the lens can change and become cloudy,” explains the consultant ophthalmic surgeon. “Some people can even develop a cataract in their eye if they experience significant electrical shock, but this is less common.

“Other causes that can increase the development of cataracts include conditions like diabetes and long-term use of certain medications like steroid tablets. Smoking and exposure to ultraviolet light are also known to increase/accelerate the progression of cataract development.”

When do you need to get help?

Alfaqawi outlines the early warning signs to look out for:

Blurred vision: “One of the most common symptoms and signs of a cataract is blurry or cloudy vision, which almost feels you are looking through a foggy window.”

Increased light sensitivity and glare: “Another early sign of a cataract is an increased sensitivity to light and glare, especially from headlights on the road at night.”

Halos: “Also, look out for halos around lights, which are often described as glowing rings.”

Faded colours: “Another red flag is faded colours, which make the world around us look less vibrant.”

Frequent changes in prescriptions: “Frequent changes in glasses’ prescription without clear improvement is a sign that might indicate that you have a cataract”.

Difficulty seeing in low light: “Difficulty seeing in low light is another symptom which might occur when reading a menu in dimly lit restaurants, for example.”

Double vision: “Double vision in one eye is another red flag and can be extremely disorienting.”

He advises anyone experiencing any of the seven symptoms listed above to go and get their eyes checked.

Why is it important to diagnose and treat cataracts as soon as possible?

“Having good sight is important for wellbeing, and cataracts can significantly hinder a patient’s quality of life,” explains Alfaqawi. “People who start to develop early cataract signs like glare from a car’s headlights can find it very difficult and worrying to drive in the evening or at night.

“In addition, being unable to clearly see things like the pavement or stairs, or struggling to judge the depth of perception, makes you more susceptible to falls and trips.

“Getting timely help and treatment can help patients see faces, administer medications themselves, and enjoy hobbies and activities like reading, which all improve the quality of someone’s life.”

Many people think you have to wait for the cataract to become really bad before you have surgery, but Alfaqawi stresses that this is not the case.

“Delaying treatment until the vision is very, very poor is not helpful because when you wait for the cataract to become very dense, it actually increases the complexity of the surgery and also increases the risk of complications,” he says.

“If your sight is affecting your quality of life, ask to be referred for assessment for cataract surgery.”

How often should you get your eyes checked?

“Most people are advised to see their optician at least once every two years, but there are certain people who will be required to see their optician once every year or to have more frequent follow-ups,” says Alfaqawi. 

“Your local optometrist can easily detect a cataract and can offer advice on whether you need a referral for treatment.”

How are cataracts treated?

“Unfortunately, cataracts will not improve on their own and tend to only get worse. But the good news is that the treatment is quick, painless and truly life-changing, so there is no need to wait if you started to struggle with your vision,” says Alfaqawi.

“Surgery is very effective and very safe, and it usually only takes 10 to 15 minutes for a cataract to be removed.

“It’s a painless procedure and most patients enjoy improvements in their vision within a few days after the surgery. However, the eye continues to heal for up to four to six weeks after the procedure.”