--- title: "Cataracts: Symptoms, Causes & NHS Treatment | HealthAnswers" description: "A plain-English guide to cataracts — what they are, the symptoms, and how cataract surgery restores clear vision, reviewed by a consultant eye surgeon." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/cataracts/ robots: noindex --- # Cataracts: Symptoms, Causes & NHS Treatment | HealthAnswers Health A–Z A plain-English guide to cataracts — what they are, the symptoms, and how cataract surgery restores clear vision, reviewed by a consultant eye surgeon. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin MBChB, FRCOphth](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/mohamed-mohyudin/) · GMC 7039600 Reviewed 10 June 2026 ## Quick answer What are cataracts? A cataract is when the clear lens inside the eye becomes cloudy, making your vision blurry, misty or dim. Cataracts are very common, especially as you get older, and they usually develop slowly over years. They cannot be treated with drops or glasses, but a short and very effective operation to replace the cloudy lens can restore clear sight. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Cataracts, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 6 sections ## Key facts about cataracts - A cataract is a cloudy lens inside the eye, usually age-related. - It causes blurry, misty or dim vision and glare from bright lights. - Cataracts cannot be cured with eye drops or glasses. - Cataract surgery is common, quick and very effective. ## What is a cataract? The lens sits behind the coloured part of your eye and focuses light to give a clear picture. A cataract is when this lens becomes cloudy, so less light reaches the back of the eye and your vision becomes blurred or dim. Most cataracts are part of getting older and develop slowly in one or both eyes. ## Symptoms Cataracts can cause: - blurry, misty or cloudy vision - colours looking faded or yellowed - glare or haloes around bright lights, especially at night - needing brighter light to read, and frequent changes to your glasses ## What causes cataracts Most cataracts are age-related. They can develop sooner if you smoke, have diabetes, take steroid medicines for a long time, or have had an eye injury. Occasionally babies are born with cataracts or develop them in childhood. ## Treatment There is no medicine that clears a cataract. When it starts to affect your daily life, the treatment is [cataract surgery](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/cataract-surgery/) — a short, very common operation that replaces the cloudy lens with a clear artificial one. Many people are surprised how quick and straightforward it is. ## Reading before an eye appointment Our [cataract surgery guide](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/cataract-surgery/) explains the procedure in more detail. You can also explore [Eye Health Guide](https://eyehealthguide.org/) for further information on eye conditions and treatments, then bring your questions to your optometrist or surgeon. ## When to seek help See an optician if your sight is gradually becoming cloudy or dim. Get **urgent**, same-day advice for any sudden loss of vision, eye pain, or new flashing lights and floaters, as these suggest a different and more serious problem than a cataract. ## ! When to see a GP about cataracts See an optician or GP if cloudy or blurry vision is making everyday tasks such as reading or driving harder. Cataracts themselves are not an emergency, but seek **urgent** advice (same day) for any sudden loss of vision, eye pain or flashing lights and floaters, as these point to a different, more serious problem. ## Common questions about cataracts Are cataracts serious? Cataracts are not dangerous to the rest of your body, but left untreated they can gradually reduce your sight. The good news is that cataract surgery is very effective and can restore clear vision. Can cataracts be treated without surgery? No. Glasses or brighter lighting may help a little in the early stages, but there is no medicine or eye drop that clears a cataract. Surgery to replace the lens is the only effective treatment. Do cataracts grow back after surgery? A cataract cannot return because the lens is removed. Some people later develop cloudiness behind the new lens, which causes similar symptoms and is easily treated with a quick, painless laser procedure. At what age do cataracts start? Cataracts are most common from the age of around 60 onwards, but they can develop earlier, and babies can occasionally be born with them. Smoking, diabetes and some medicines can make them more likely. ## Sources - [NHS — Cataracts](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cataracts/) - [NHS — Cataract surgery](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cataract-surgery/)