What symptoms do I have before cataract surgery?
Cataracts can develop slowly, so you may not notice changes in your vision at first. Over time, the lens inside your eye can become cloudy. This can make everyday tasks harder and affect how clearly you see.
You may wonder, “How do I know if I have a cataract?”
There are several common symptoms to look out for. Knowing these signs can help you understand when it may be time to have your eyes checked.
What is a cataract?
A cataract happens when the clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy. Your natural lens helps focus light onto the retina at the back of your eye.
When the lens becomes cloudy, light cannot pass through it as clearly. This can lead to changes in your vision.
Cataracts are common as we get older. They can affect one eye or both eyes, and they can develop at different rates.
You may not need surgery as soon as a cataract is found. Your eye specialist will look at your vision and eye health to decide when treatment may be helpful.
What are the most common cataract symptoms?
Blurry vision
One of the most common signs of a cataract is blurry vision.
Things may look less clear than they used to. You may feel that your glasses are no longer giving you the same level of vision.
You may also find that your vision stays blurry even after changing your glasses prescription.
Glare and bright lights
Cataracts can make bright lights harder to deal with.
You may notice more glare from lamps, headlights, or the sun. Bright lights may also feel uncomfortable.
This can be especially noticeable when driving at night.
Difficulty seeing at night
Night vision can become harder when you have cataracts.
You may find it more difficult to see clearly in low light. Headlights from other cars may also look brighter or cause more glare.
This can make driving at night less comfortable and may affect your confidence.
Colours look less bright
A cataract can change the way colours appear.
Colours may look duller, faded, or slightly yellow. You may not notice this change at first because it can happen slowly.
Some people only realise how much colours have changed after cataract surgery, when colours can appear brighter again.
Needing brighter light to read
You may find that reading becomes easier when you have a brighter lamp or more light in the room.
Small print may also become harder to see. This can affect reading books, using a phone, or doing hobbies that need clear close-up vision.
Frequent changes to your glasses
Your glasses prescription may seem to change more often than it used to.
A new prescription may improve your vision for a while, but it may not fully correct the blur caused by a cataract.
If your vision continues to change, it is worth having your eyes checked.
Can cataracts cause double vision?
Double vision in one eye
Some people with cataracts may notice double vision or ghost images in one eye.
This can make objects look like they have a faint second image next to them. It may make reading or looking at fine details harder.
There are other possible causes of double vision, so it is important to have this checked by an eye specialist.
Do cataracts cause eye pain?
Cataracts are usually painless
A cataract itself does not usually cause pain.
If you have eye pain, sudden changes in your vision, or other worrying symptoms, you should seek advice from an eye care professional.
Not every change in vision is caused by a cataract. An eye examination can help find the cause.
When should I see an eye specialist?
When vision changes affect daily life
You should consider having your eyes checked if changes in your vision are starting to affect everyday activities.
You may notice that reading is harder, driving at night is less comfortable, or you are struggling to see clearly at work or at home.
An eye examination can check for cataracts and other eye conditions.
Your specialist can also assess how much the cataract is affecting your vision and discuss whether treatment may be suitable.
When is cataract surgery needed?
It depends on your symptoms and vision
Finding a cataract does not always mean that you need surgery straight away.
Cataract surgery may be considered when your vision is affecting your quality of life or making everyday activities difficult.
Your eye specialist will assess your eyes and discuss your treatment options with you.
The aim of surgery is to remove the cloudy natural lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens.
Can cataract surgery improve these symptoms?
Surgery removes the cloudy lens
Cataract surgery removes the cloudy natural lens from your eye and replaces it with an artificial lens.
For many people, this can lead to clearer vision. Glare and problems with night vision may also improve, although results vary between people.
Your choice of lens can also affect your vision after surgery. There are different lens options, and your specialist can explain which may be suitable for your eyes and lifestyle.
What happens during a cataract assessment?
Your eyes will be checked carefully
Before surgery, you will have a detailed eye assessment.
Your specialist will look at the health of your eyes and check your vision. Measurements are also taken to help choose the right lens implant.
This is an important part of the process because cataract surgery is not the same for everyone.
Your treatment plan should be based on your eyes, your vision, and what you want to achieve.
What if I have symptoms but no cataract?
Other eye conditions can cause similar symptoms
Blurred vision, glare, poor night vision, and changes in colour vision can have many causes.
For this reason, it is important not to assume that your symptoms are caused by cataracts.
A full eye examination can help identify the cause of your symptoms and make sure you receive the right advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first sign of a cataract?
Blurred or cloudy vision is one of the most common early signs. You may also notice more glare, especially at night, or find that colours look less bright.
Can cataracts make you need new glasses?
Yes. A cataract can cause changes to your vision and may mean your glasses prescription needs to change. However, new glasses may not fully correct the vision changes caused by a cataract.
Can cataracts affect night driving?
Yes. Cataracts can make it harder to see in low light and can increase glare from headlights. If you notice changes in your night vision, speak to an eye care professional.
Can cataracts cause headaches?
Cataracts do not usually cause headaches directly. However, changes in vision can sometimes make your eyes work harder, which may contribute to discomfort or headaches. Other causes are also possible, so persistent headaches should be checked.
Can you have a cataract without symptoms?
Yes. Cataracts can start to develop before they cause noticeable changes in your vision. Regular eye checks can help detect them.
Do cataracts always need surgery?
No. Surgery is usually considered when a cataract starts to affect your vision and daily life. Your eye specialist can explain whether surgery may be suitable for you.
Take the next step
If you have noticed changes in your vision and think you may have cataracts, the first step is to find out if treatment could be right for you.
Take our cataract suitability self test to learn more about your options. It only takes a few minutes and can help you understand whether you may be suitable for treatment.
Clearer vision could be closer than you think.
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Mr Dan Nguyen
MBChB MBA FRCOphth FRANZCO
Consultant Eye Surgeon
Hello, I’m Dan Nguyen!
I‘m your guide to better vision. In times when long waiting lists and unclear options are the norm, it’s easy to feel stuck and worried about your eye health. Don’t let that hold you back. I’m here to show you that you can skip the endless queues and make real progress. Remember, you’re unique, not just another name on a list. Every patient I see receives top-notch care, tailored to their specific needs and lifestyle. Once you’ve had your treatment, you’ll be able to embrace a life that’s vivid, colourful, and just the way you like it. So what are you waiting for? Stop waiting and start living!
