A clear starting point
Overview
A cataract is a gradual clouding of the eye's natural lens, most often related to ageing. It commonly causes hazy vision, glare while driving at night and frequent changes in glass power. Cataract surgery replaces the cloudy lens with a clear intraocular lens (IOL). Modern micro-incision phacoemulsification is among the most commonly performed eye surgeries, but lens choice and timing should always be individualised after proper evaluation.
What you may notice
Symptoms & Warning Signs
- Cloudy, hazy or dim vision
- Glare and halos around lights, especially at night
- Frequent change in spectacle power
- Faded or yellowed colours
- Difficulty reading in normal light
Understanding the cause
Possible Causes
Ageing is the most common cause. Cataracts can also follow diabetes, eye injury, long-term steroid use, inflammation or, rarely, be present from birth.
When to seek care
When to Consult an Eye Specialist
Consult a specialist when cloudy vision begins to affect daily activities such as reading, driving or recognising faces. Sudden vision loss, pain or redness needs urgent evaluation.
Your evaluation
Diagnostic Process
Your specialist will recommend assessment based on your symptoms and eye health. This may include:
- Visual acuity and refraction
- Slit-lamp examination of the lens
- Dilated retinal check to rule out other causes
- Biometry (eye measurements) for IOL power calculation
- OCT or corneal tests when indicated
Care is individual
Management & Treatment Approaches
The appropriate approach depends on the findings of your evaluation. Options may include:
- Updated spectacles in early stages
- Phacoemulsification (micro-incision cataract surgery) with IOL implantation
- Guidance on monofocal, toric and multifocal lens options
- YAG laser capsulotomy if the capsule clouds later
Preparing for a visit
What to Expect
Surgery is usually a day-care procedure. Your doctor will explain the lens options, costs and realistic expectations based on the health of your retina and optic nerve.
Balanced information
Risks & Limitations
Cataract surgery is generally safe, but risks include infection, swelling, retinal detachment and posterior capsule opacification. Outcomes depend partly on the health of the rest of the eye; no result can be guaranteed.
After treatment
Recovery & Follow-up
Vision usually improves over days to weeks. Use prescribed drops, avoid splashing water and rubbing the eye, and attend scheduled follow-ups.
Answers to common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Medical disclaimer: This page is general educational information, not a diagnosis or a guarantee of any outcome. Treatment decisions are made only after an in-person evaluation by a qualified eye specialist.