Eye diseases
Cataract: early symptoms and when to consider treatment
A cataract is a clouding of the lens inside your eye, which can make your vision blurry or dim. It's like looking through a foggy window. Cataracts develop slowly and can affect one or both eyes.
What is a cataract?
Behind your iris sits a clear lens that focuses light onto the retina. When that lens becomes cloudy, less light gets through clearly — and vision gradually becomes hazy.
Early symptoms of cataract
- Blurry or cloudy vision
- Difficulty seeing at night or in low light
- Sensitivity to bright lights or glare
- Fading or yellowing of colours
- Double vision in one eye
How is cataract treated?
Cataracts can often be treated with surgery to restore clear vision. An eye examination shows how much a cataract is affecting your sight; when treatment is needed, we refer you to an ophthalmologist.
When to see an eye care professional
If you notice any of these signs, book an eye examination with an eye care professional. Early assessment makes it easier to manage most eye conditions.
Frequently asked questions
When to go to a hospital instead
Go to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately if you have:
- Sudden loss of vision
- Flashes of light or a shower of new floaters
- Eye injury or chemical splash
- Severe eye pain or a very red, painful eye
- Double vision that comes on suddenly