What is a Cataract?

Cataracts

17 September 2025

Cataracts are one of the most common causes of vision problems worldwide, yet many people are unsure what they really are or how they affect sight. You’re not alone in asking these questions. Read on as our guide explains everything you need to know about cataracts from our expert consultants.

What is a Cataract?

A cataract is the clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which sits just behind the iris (the coloured part of the eye). In most instances, this lens is clear, allowing light to pass through easily. However, as we age and for a few exceptional cases, it can become cloudy or foggy, making it harder for light to reach the retina. This causes vision to become blurred, hazy or distorted. While cataracts aren’t painful or dangerous, they can have a big impact on everyday life – the good news is they’re very treatable with routine cataract surgery.

How Cataracts Can Affect Your Vision

When cataracts develop, the vision may seem less crisp. Initially, you may notice symptoms such as slight blurriness – as though you’re looking through frosted glass. Everyday tasks like reading, watching TV, or even reading number plates while driving can become more difficult.

Colour perception may become dulled, while bright lights can become glaring or haloed, especially at night. Double vision in one eye, difficulty navigating low-light settings, and overall poor night vision are also common indicators. While symptoms vary from person to person, recognising the early symptoms of cataracts gives patients the best chance for a comfortable lifestyle.

People who notice symptoms of cataracts should see an eye care specialist as soon as possible

Why Do Cataracts Develop?

Ageing is the most common cause behind cataract formation. As proteins within the lens degrade over time, cloudiness sets in, making cataracts a natural part of ageing for many over 60.

Other factors can also drive cataract development in younger people, including:

Family history or genetic predispositions.
Eye injuries or previous eye surgeries.
Certain medications are taken over long periods.
Chronic health conditions such as diabetes.
Rare congenital cases present at birth.

Globally, cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness – a statistic that underscores the importance of early detection and treatment. As there is no age limit for cataract surgery, even patients in their 80s and 90s can benefit hugely from cataract surgery.

The Cataract Operation Explained

Currently, no medicines exist to reverse cataracts, but the condition is highly treatable with surgery. The cloudy lens is safely removed and replaced with a clear, artificial intraocular lens (IOL), instantly restoring clarity. This short outpatient procedure typically takes under 10 minutes per eye and is pain-free due to local anaesthetic and optional mild sedation.

At Optegra, we perform thousands of cataract procedures annually, delivering outcomes with a 99.6% success rate. Patients are often surprised by how effective the operation is, how painless and fast recovery is, and the vast difference it can make in everyday life.

Why Early Detection Matters

Cataracts do not improve on their own; they progress slowly, making early diagnosis essential. If you recognise any symptoms, eye tests conducted by an eye specialist can confirm whether a cataract is developing and indicate the best timing for surgery. The sooner the issue is addressed, the less cataracts will impact your lifestyle – from driving and reading to pursuing hobbies and maintaining independence.