Cataract
A common eye condition that causes the natural lens of the eye to become cloudy, leading to blurred or reduced vision.
Understanding cataracts
A cataract develops when the eye’s natural lens, which helps focus light onto the retina, becomes cloudy. This usually happens as proteins within the lens break down and clump together, reducing the amount of light that reaches the retina and causing vision to become blurred, dim or less clear.
Cataracts most commonly develop with ageing, but they can also occur following an eye injury, as a result of certain medical conditions or medications, or be present from birth. They usually progress gradually and can affect one or both eyes.
Unlike retinal diseases, cataracts affect the lens at the front of the eye rather than the retina at the back. However, they can occur alongside retinal conditions and may affect the assessment, monitoring and treatment of vision loss. For people living with retinal conditions, managing cataracts can help maximise the vision available to them and support quality of life.
Cataracts are a leading cause of vision impairment worldwide, but they are also highly treatable. Modern cataract surgery can remove the cloudy natural lens and replace it with an artificial lens, often improving vision.
~65 million
people worldwide have significant vision impairment caused by cataracts
~50%
of people over 80 have a cataract or have had cataract surgery
>90%
experience improved vision after cataract surgery
How cataracts can affect vision
Common symptoms include:
- Blurred or cloudy vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Increased sensitivity to bright lights or glare
- Halos around lights
- Colours appearing faded or yellowed
- Frequent changes in glasses prescription
- Double vision in one eye
- Difficulty reading or recognising faces
Identifying Cataracts
Assessment may include:
- Visual acuity testing
- Dilated eye examination
- Slit-lamp examination
- Retinal examination
- Imaging tests where appropriate
Supporting individuals living with cataracts
Adapting to diagnosis
Many people continue to manage well during the early stages of cataract development by updating their glasses prescription, improving lighting, or using magnifying devices.
As cataracts progress, daily activities such as reading, driving, recognising faces, or navigating unfamiliar environments may become increasingly difficult.
For people living with retinal conditions, it can sometimes be challenging to distinguish whether changes in vision are caused by cataracts, the retinal condition itself, or both. Regular eye examinations are therefore essential.
Support from low vision services, rehabilitation specialists, and patient organisations can help people maintain independence and quality of life.
Research into glaucoma continues to improve understanding, diagnosis, and treatment.
Advances in cataract surgery, intraocular lens technology, imaging, and personalised treatment planning continue to improve outcomes for patients worldwide.
Researchers are also exploring how cataract surgery can be optimised for people living with inherited retinal diseases, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and other retinal conditions.
Information and community support
Take the Next Step
Retina International’s global community connects people affected by vision loss with information, support networks, and opportunities to engage with research and advocacy.
-
close