Cataract
A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens — like looking through a fogged-up window. It develops gradually and, in most people, is simply part of ageing. The good news: it's the most treatable cause of vision loss, and surgery restores sight.
What is a cataract?
Inside your eye, a clear lens focuses light onto the retina. With a cataract, that lens gradually becomes cloudy, scattering light and blurring what you see. It usually develops slowly over years, in one or both eyes, and most people over 60 have at least the early stages.
What to watch for
- Blurred or dim vision that keeps getting worse
- Glare and halos around lights — especially at night
- Colours looking faded or yellowish
- Needing brighter light for reading, or frequent prescription changes
- Double vision in one eye
Who is at risk
Age is the biggest factor, but you're more at risk if you:
- Have diabetes
- Smoke, or spend years in strong sunlight without UV protection
- Have used steroid medication long-term
- Have had an eye injury or eye surgery
Treatment
The only effective treatment is surgery: the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens. It's one of the safest and most common operations performed — most people notice brighter, clearer vision within days. Early on, stronger glasses and better lighting can help, but when a cataract starts affecting daily life — driving, reading, recognising faces — it's time to act.
Think you may have a cataract? A quick eye health screening will tell us — walk in, no appointment needed.
Clear vision is within reach.
Find out what's behind your symptoms — visit us during opening hours, or call ahead.