What are cataracts?

Cataracts are a common condition where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to vision impairment. While cataracts are more prevalent in older individuals, they can also affect younger people. Cataracts are a major contributor to blindness among adults globally.

What are the symptoms of cataracts?

Cataracts typically progress gradually, with initial absence of symptoms. They have the potential to impact either one eye or both eyes.

If you have cataracts, you may:

• develop blurred, or foggy vision — you may have trouble reading, driving at night or seeing faces or other details clearly
• become sensitive to light and glare
• find that objects seem to have a brown or yellow shade
• have the sense of seeing double, or that things look distorted
• see ‘halos’ around lights

Cataracts typically do not result in pain. Nevertheless, certain symptoms like light sensitivity can lead to discomfort. In advanced stages of cataracts, the pupil of the eye may take on a grey or white appearance.

What causes cataracts?

Cataracts occur due to alterations in the lens of the eye, primarily caused by the natural process of aging and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.

The formation of cataracts takes place when the proteins within the lens undergo damage and aggregate, leading to a decrease in the passage of light through the lens to the retina. Consequently, this results in a gradual loss of vision.

Am I at risk of getting cataracts?

Individuals over the age of 40 are at a higher risk of developing cataracts compared to younger individuals. Cataracts affect half of the Australian population over the age of 50. By the time individuals reach 70 or 80 years old, nearly everyone will have developed cataracts.

When should I see a health professional?

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, or have changes in your vision, you should see an optometrist as soon as you can.