Age-related cataracts are clouding of the natural lens inside the eye, leading to gradually blurred vision. They are extremely common in older adults.
Symptoms and progression
Cataracts often develop slowly, affecting each person differently.
- Glare, haloes around lights, or difficulty driving at night
- Colours appearing faded or yellowed
- Increased short-sightedness or frequent changes in glasses
- Cloudy or misty vision that glasses cannot fully correct
Treatment
Surgery is the only effective treatment once cataracts interfere with daily life. The cloudy lens is replaced with a clear artificial implant.
- Modern small-incision phacoemulsification offers quick recovery
- Choice of lens types can target distance, near, or multifocal vision
- Most people notice significant visual improvement within days
- Regular eye checks help time surgery appropriately and rule out other causes of blur
