There are three main types of cataracts, each affecting a different part of the eye’s natural lens:

• Cortical cataracts develop in the outer edge of the lens, called the cortex. They often appear as white, wedge-shaped streaks that gradually move towards the centre of the lens, affecting how light passes through.
• Nuclear cataracts form in the centre of the lens (the nucleus) and are most commonly linked to ageing. This type of cataract usually causes gradual vision changes, such as difficulty seeing clearly or needing stronger glasses more often.
• Subcapsular cataracts appear at the back of the lens and can interfere with reading or seeing in bright light. People taking high doses of steroid medication or living with certain medical conditions may be more likely to develop this type.

Different types of cataracts can affect your vision in different ways, depending on which part of the lens becomes cloudy.

Cataracts often develop naturally as we age. Over time, the proteins in the eye’s lens can begin to break down and build up, causing cloudy patches that make it harder to see clearly. This gradual change is the most common cause, but other factors may also increase your risk.

These can include long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, smoking, diabetes, the use of certain medications like steroids, or previous eye injuries or surgery. In rare cases, cataracts can be present from birth.

At Optegra, our experienced Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeons regularly assess patients with age-related cataracts, as well as cataracts caused by other medical or lifestyle factors. The good news is that cataracts are highly treatable, and our consultants offer expert diagnosis and advanced cataract surgery options to restore your vision safely and effectively. If you’re concerned about changes to your sight, our expert team can guide you through the next steps.

Cataracts can develop slowly, and many people do not realise there is a problem until their vision begins to noticeably change. In the early stages, the clouding may only affect a small part of the lens, making symptoms easy to miss. However, as the cataract grows, vision problems tend to become more noticeable.

While symptoms can vary from person to person, common signs of cataracts include:

• Cloudy or blurred vision
• Colours looking faded or less vibrant
• Difficulty seeing clearly at night or in low light
• Sensitivity to bright lights, including glare from headlights
• Double vision in one eye
• Frequent changes in your glasses or contact lens prescription

If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak to your optician or eye specialist.

Cataracts can make your vision feel cloudy, blurred or dim and are often compared to looking through frosted or misted-up glass. You might notice that your eyesight becomes less sharp, colours appear faded, or glare from bright lights becomes more intense.

At first, these changes can feel like a minor nuisance. But over time, cataracts can significantly affect your day-to-day life, making it harder to read, drive or recognise faces. If left untreated, they can lead to severe vision loss.

The examples below show how cataracts can affect everyday vision, compared with vision after cataract surgery.