Cataracts

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's natural lens — the clear structure that sits behind the iris and pupil and focuses light onto the retina. The lens is composed mostly of water and protein, arranged precisely to keep it transparent. As we age, some of that protein can clump together, forming a cloudy area on the lens. Over time, this clouding can grow larger and progressively affect vision.

How Do Cataracts Affect Vision?

In the early stages, a cataract may have little noticeable effect on your vision. As the cataract develops, you may experience:

• Blurred, cloudy, or dim vision
• Increased sensitivity to light and glare from the sun or lamps
• Difficulty with night driving due to glare from oncoming headlights
• Faded or yellowed appearance of colours
• The need for brighter light when reading or doing close work
• Frequent changes to your glasses or contact lens prescription

What Causes Cataracts?

The exact reason why the eye's lens changes with age is not fully understood. However, several risk factors have been identified:

• Age: The most common cause. The natural ageing process causes lens proteins to break down and clump over time.
• Diabetes: People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing cataracts earlier.
• Steroid use: Long-term use of corticosteroid medications has been associated with cataract development.
• Eye injury or trauma: Physical damage to the eye can trigger cataract formation.
• Congenital cataracts: Some people are born with cataracts or develop them in early childhood.
• Other factors: Prolonged UV exposure, smoking, and certain medical conditions may also increase risk.

Cataract Treatment Options

In the early stages, vision may be improved temporarily with updated glasses, stronger bifocals, magnification aids, or improved lighting. However, these measures only manage symptoms and cannot stop the cataract from progressing.

When cataracts have advanced enough to significantly impair your vision and affect daily activities — such as reading, driving, or recognising faces — surgery is the most effective treatment. Cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed and successful surgical procedures in Australia. During the procedure, the surgeon removes the clouded natural lens and replaces it with a clear artificial intraocular lens (IOL), restoring sharp, clear vision in most cases.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cataracts

Are cataracts only an age-related condition?

While age is the most common cause, cataracts can also develop due to eye injury, certain medications, medical conditions like diabetes, or be present from birth. They are not exclusively an age-related condition.

Can cataracts be treated without surgery?

There is currently no proven non-surgical treatment to reverse or remove cataracts. Glasses and visual aids can help manage early symptoms, but surgery is the only definitive treatment once cataracts significantly affect your vision.

Is cataract surgery safe?

Yes. Cataract surgery is a routine, relatively painless procedure with a very high success rate. It is one of the most commonly performed surgeries in Australia and typically takes less than 30 minutes.

How do I know if I need cataract surgery?

If your cataracts are affecting your ability to carry out everyday tasks — such as reading, driving, or watching television — it may be time to discuss surgery with your optometrist or ophthalmologist. Regular eye examinations are the best way to monitor cataract progression.