CATARACTS

Whether you’ve just been diagnosed with a cataract or if you might be experiencing symptoms associated with the early stages of cataract development, here you will find lots of information, support and useful things to know. Find out all about the different types of cataract and how they can affect vision.

What is a cataract?

While you might already know that cataracts can affect vision, you might be less familiar with what cataracts are and the reasons why it impacts sight.

When somebody develops a cataract, the clear lens of the eye becomes cloudy, which reduces the amount of light that can pass through it to reach the retina. Our retinas’ ability to provide us with clear vision depends on the lens being transparent. As a result, the cloudy lens causes misty vision, a bit like looking through a frosted window. It can also cause light entering the eye to be scattered, causing glare and sensitivity to light, particularly in brighter weather.

Different Types of Cataracts

Cataracts can develop in different ways, and it can be helpful to understand the variations¹:

Age-related cataracts: This is the most common type of cataract and usually happens with age, and worsens over time.
Congenital cataracts: Some children are born with cataracts in one or both eyes, which can lead to permanent vision impairment if not treated at an early age.
Trauma-related cataracts: Cataracts can form as a result of eye injuries caused by impact or sharp penetration of the eye and damage to the lens of the eye.
Diabetic cataracts: People with diabetes are at greater risk of developing cataracts, particularly if blood sugar levels are not well controlled, and the longer you have diabetes.
Cataracts related to eye conditions: Cataracts can also develop as a result of having other eye conditions and their treatment. For example, being treated with high doses of steroids can lead to cataracts developing. Similarly, having conditions such as myopia, glaucoma and uveitis, or an eye operation can also cause cataracts.

The different types of cataracts have different appearances, depending on which part of the lens is affected. An anterior cortical cataract affects the front part of the lens, whilst a nuclear sclerotic cataract affects the centre of the lens and a posterior subcapsular cataract affects the back surface of the lens. A cataract can affect more than one part of the lens so it is important to know which type you have, as each will impact your vision in different ways².

Why Do Age-related Cataracts Occur?

Age-related cataracts develop because of changes to the structure of the lens that occur gradually over time. The lens of the eye is made of many fibres and proteins. Over time, the fibres become compacted and the proteins clump together, creating opaque patches in the lens and yellowing of the lens. As the lens becomes increasingly opaque, less light is able to pass through it, leading to gradually worsening vision³.

How do cataracts affect vision?

Cataracts will generally cause a gradual deterioration in your vision. In its earliest stages, you might not be aware of any symptoms but as a cataract develops further, you will find that your vision is no longer as clear as it used to be, even with spectacles. This is because the cataract is an opacity that reduces how much light can pass through it.

Over time, as more of the lens is affected, vision will continue to deteriorate and might impact on your ability to perform everyday tasks such as driving and watching TV.

Depending on the type of cataract, some people might notice a more rapid deterioration in their vision. They might also experience other symptoms such as washed-out colours, glare and ghosting of vision.

Learn more about cataracts

Want to know more? Check out the resources below for further support with your cataracts.

CATARACTS SYMPTOMS

CATARACTS CAUSES

BEFORE & AFTER SURGERY

Cataracts FAQs

Can cataracts cause headaches?

A common misconception is that cataracts cause headaches. However, generally speaking, this isn’t the case. Those who experience headaches while having cataracts are usually feeling eye-strain-induced headaches from the additional effort needed to see clearly. It may be that having cataracts increases the frequency of headaches as a result, but does not directly cause headaches. If you are experiencing regular headaches we would recommend you seek the advice of your eye care professional.

Can cataracts cause blindness?

In the UK cataracts are generally treatable and not commonly associated with causing blindness. Cataract surgery is a routine procedure which removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a synthetic intraocular lens which very quickly restores vision.

How quickly do cataracts develop?

While age-related cataracts are a progressive condition, it can be difficult to determine how quickly they will develop. For some, vision can deteriorate over many years, while others might find that their vision worsens much quicker. To a certain extent, this will be influenced by the type of cataract and whether any steps are taken to try to reduce the progression. This is why it is important to seek the advice of your eye care professional and have regular sight tests.

References:
1. RNIB
2. Fight for Sight

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