Cataracts: causes, symptoms and treatment

What are cataracts?

The clear lens at the front of the eye is made from special proteins. Cataracts form when these proteins break down and create cloudy patches on the lens. Over time the patches can grow bigger, causing blurry vision.

The main types of cataracts are:

• Age-related cataracts: older adults are more susceptible to developing them
• Congenital cataracts: children can be born with cataracts in one or both eyes, which can lead to permanent blindness if left untreated
• Trauma-related cataracts: an injury to the eye as a result of an impact or a sharp penetration can cause them to form

Cataracts can form on different parts of the lens. Cataracts that develop in the centre of the eye, called ‘nuclear cataracts’, are most common.

What causes cataracts?

A cataract develops when protein in the eye’s lens builds up to form a layer. This natural process happens gradually as we age. It can lead to blurred vision and eventual blindness. Cataracts can also form as a result of trauma to the eye.

Risk factors that can increase your chances of developing cataracts include:

• Age: people over 50 years old are most at risk
• Genetics: having family members with the condition
• Lifestyle: smoking, drinking alcohol and spending time in the sun without wearing sunglasses
• Health conditions: diabetes and other health issues
• Medication: certain medicines can increase the likelihood of cataracts

How are cataracts diagnosed and treated?

If you have cataract symptoms, it’s important to visit a doctor for a diagnosis so you can be treated. You may also be diagnosed by an optometrist during a routine eye test, which should take place every two years.

During your eye exam, an eye specialist may test your vision by asking you to read letters or symbols from a chart and by performing a close check of your eyes to see if the lens has become cloudy.

Prescription glasses or contact lenses can help improve a person’s eyesight during the early stages of cataracts. However, it’s still important to seek further treatment, such as surgery, to prevent permanent sight loss.

Cataract surgery is the only way to restore vision. The operation is straightforward and effective. It involves removing the clouded lens from the lens capsule and replacing it with an artificial one. A patient’s vision starts to return within a few hours of surgery. Learn more about cataract surgery

Benefits of cataract surgery include:

• Improved or restored eyesight
• Reduced glare or halos in your vision
• Improved quality of life

How Sightsavers is helping to treat cataracts

In collaboration with partners, our work makes it easier for people in Africa and Asia to be examined and treated for cataracts.

• We help develop quality eye care services so people can have their eyes checked and can be referred for free treatment if needed
• We train eye surgeons, nurses and community workers to improve the quality of cataract surgery and make sure more operations can be carried out
• We run health programmes in local communities to educate people about cataracts and explain where they can get treatment

Page last reviewed: April 2023
Next review due: April 2026
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