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Cataracts

Cloudy vision? You’re not alone. Cataracts are common and treatable. Here’s what you need to know and how we can help.

What are cataracts?

Cataracts happen when the clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy. It usually builds up slowly, making your vision feel blurry, foggy or dim. You might notice lights feel too bright or colours look faded. Some people say it’s like looking through a misted‑up window.

Cataracts are very common, especially as we get older, but they’re treatable. Cataracts surgery can make a big difference. Your optometrist will be able to spot signs of cataracts during a comprehensive eye exam.

Cataracts explained

  1. 1 of 5

    Lens

    This is where cataracts form. When the lens becomes cloudy, light can’t pass through properly, making your vision blurry, dim or faded.

  2. 2 of 5

    Cornea

    It helps focus light into the eye. Cataracts don’t form here, but if the cornea is dry or damaged, it can cause similar symptoms.

  3. 3 of 5

    Retina

    Cataracts can block or scatter light before it reaches the retina, which means less detail, colour and contrast in what you see.

  4. 4 of 5

    Pupil

    It controls how much light enters the eye. Cataracts form just behind the pupil, so even though your eye may look normal, your sight can still be affected.

  5. 5 of 5

    Optic nerve

    Cataracts don’t damage the optic nerve, but they can reduce the quality of the image it receives.

What does vision with cataracts look like?

If you have cataracts, your vision might look misty or blurred, a bit like a fogged‑up bathroom mirror. Colours can look faded, and bright lights may cause glare or halos, especially at night. Reading, driving or seeing faces might get harder, especially in low light. Some people say it feels like there’s a film over their eyes that they can’t wipe away.

Are there different types of cataracts?

There are several types of cataracts and knowing which kind you have can help explain your symptoms.

Nuclear

Nuclear cataracts form in the central part of the lens, known as the nucleus. They usually develop slowly over time and are most commonly linked to aging. This type can make your vision look yellow or brown and may affect your ability to see things clearly in the distance by causing you to become more short‑sighted.

Cortical

Cortical cataracts start at the outer edge of the lens and gradually spread towards the centre. The cloudy areas often look like white streaks or wedges. This type can cause problems with glare, depth perception (difficulty judging distances) and contrast, especially when driving at night or in low light.

Posterior subcapsular

Posterior subcapsular cataracts form at the back of the lens, near the part that helps focus light. They often develop faster than other types and can affect your near vision, reading and ability to see clearly in bright light or sunlight, even when everything else looks fine. Corticosteroid use (a type of steroid medication) can cause this type of cataract.

What are the signs you might have cataracts?

Cataracts don’t usually appear all at once, they tend to build up slowly over time. So, what is the first sign of cataracts? You might notice:

  • Blurry or cloudy vision

  • Trouble seeing at night

  • Glare or halos around lights

  • Colours looking faded or yellow

  • Needing brighter light for reading

  • Vision that feels misty or dim

One of the first signs of cataracts is needing to change your glasses more often, but still not seeing clearly. If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth booking an eye exam.

Not sure how to tell if you have cataracts? If your vision still feels dim or blurry, even with the right glasses, it’s worth booking an eye exam. We’ll check your eyes and explain what’s going on.

Cataracts don’t usually cause eye pain, so if you’re experiencing discomfort, it could be another issue and worth checking.

Stages of cataracts

  1. Early stage cataracts ‑ the lens starts to become cloudy, but it’s often too mild to cause symptoms. You may not realise you have a cataracts until it’s found at a routine eye exam

  2. Developing cataracts ‑ the cloudiness spreads, and you might notice blurry or cloudy vision, glare, or trouble seeing in dim light. You may need to update your glasses prescription more often.

  3. Mature cataracts ‑ the lens is very cloudy, making it hard to see. Colours may look faded, and tasks like reading or driving get harder. This is when surgery is usually recommended.

  4. Hypermature cataracts ‑ if left untreated, the lens can harden, shrink or leak fluid. This can raise the risk of inflammation or pressure inside the eye. Surgery is needed at this stage.

We’ll help clear things up

Noticed your eyes hurting, or a change in your sight? Whether it’s something new or something that’s been bothering you for a while, we’re here to help.

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What causes cataracts and who’s more likely to get them?

Cataracts usually develop as we get older. Over time, the proteins in the lens of your eye start to break down and clump together, which makes the lens cloudy and affects how well you can see.

But age isn’t the only factor. Some people are more likely to get cataracts earlier or see them progress more quickly. You're more at risk if you:

  • Are over the age of 64

  • Have diabetes or long‑term health conditions

  • Take steroids regularly

  • Smoke or drink alcohol often

  • Spend a lot of time in bright sunlight without wearing sunglasses

  • Have had eye surgery or an eye injury

  • Have a family history of cataracts

  • Some people are also born with cataracts, but this is rare.

Whatever the cause, cataracts are treatable, often with a quick and straightforward cataract surgery.

If you’re in a higher‑risk group or have noticed changes to your vision, it’s a good idea to book an eye exam so we can check your eyes and talk through your options."

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How are cataracts tested and diagnosed?

At your eye exam, your optometrist will ask about any changes in your sight and how they’re affecting your daily life. This helps them understand your symptoms and decide what tests to do.

They may run a few simple, painless checks for cataracts, such as:

Visual acuity test

You’ll read letters on a Snellen chart to see how clearly you’re seeing.

Slit‑lamp examination

The use of a microscope with a bright light to look at the front of your eye.

Retinal examination

Your optometrist may use drops to widen your pupils and check the back of your eye.

Refraction test

We see if a new glasses prescription improves your sight. If it doesn’t, cataracts could be the reason.

If cataracts is diagnosed, your optometrist will explain the details, answer your questions and talk through your options.

How are cataracts treated?

Monitoring your cataracts

If your cataracts are mild and not affecting your vision much, you may not need treatment right away. Your optometrist will monitor changes over time.

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Making day‑to‑day tasks easier

A stronger prescription, better lighting or anti‑glare lenses can help initially. These small changes may improve your sight while you decide on next steps.

Browse glasses

Cataracts surgery

If your vision worsens and starts to impact daily life, surgery is usually recommended. It’s a quick, safe procedure done under local anaesthetic.

Recovery after surgery

Most people recover within a few days, with full healing taking a few weeks. You’ll get advice on things like showering, returning to work and driving.

Using your eye drops after surgery

After cataract surgery, you’ll be given eye drops to help your eye heal and reduce the risk of infection. Most people need to use them for around four weeks.

The team will explain exactly how and when to use them and show you how to put them in if you're unsure. It's important to finish the full course, even if your eye feels fine. They’re a key part of a smooth recovery.

How to book an assessment

If you think you might have cataracts, the first step is a full eye exam. Your optometrist can talk through your symptoms and help you decide what to do next.

Book an eye exam
An man is having an eye exam with an optometrist

Need cataracts surgery? We’ll help you take the next step

If we detect cataracts, we’ll explain what’s happening and refer you to an ophthalmologist for care. Surgery is usually recommended when cataracts begin to affect daily life, and it’s a straightforward procedure done under local anaesthetic.

Healthcare coverage varies across provinces, so we’ll help explain what applies in your area and guide you on the referral process.

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Can cataracts be prevented?

There’s no guaranteed way to stop cataracts from developing. But there are a few simple things you can do to protect your eyes and lower your risk:

Wear sunglasses

UV light can speed up the development of cataracts. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection helps shield your eyes.

Manage long‑term health conditions

If you have diabetes or take steroid medication, regular check‑ups and managing your condition can reduce your risk.

Eat well

A diet rich in leafy greens, fruit and veg is good for your overall eye health.

Avoid smoking

Smoking increases your risk of cataracts and other eye problems. Stopping can make a real difference for your vision in the long‑term.

Driving with cataracts

Cataracts can affect driving as they progress. At first, you may not notice changes, but they can lead to blurry vision, glare or trouble seeing in low light, making driving more challenging.

Visual impact

Cataracts can affect your ability to see details, judge distances, and respond to movement. Glare or halos at night are common and can lower driving confidence.

Canadian driving rules

If you’re unsure about your eyesight for driving, book an eye exam (CTA: https://www.specsavers.ca/stores). We’ll check your vision and let you know if you meet the standard. We can also explain if cataracts surgery could improve your vision and help keep you on the road.

Your cataracts questions, answered

Could it be something else?

Not sure if cataracts explain your symptoms? These pages cover other common vision changes.

Blurry vision

Struggling to see clearly, especially at a distance or close up? Blurry vision can have several causes, not just cataracts.

Learn more about blurry vision

Cloudy vision

If your sight feels like it’s misted over, it might be a sign of cataracts – but other things can cause this too.

Learn more about cloudy vision

Glaucoma

Often mistaken for cataracts, glaucoma affects the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss if left untreated.

Learn more about glaucoma

Floaters and flashes

Seeing specks, threads or sudden flashes of light? These are common – but worth checking out if they’re new or getting worse.

Learn more about floaters and flashes

Red or bloodshot eyes

If your eyes appear red or bloodshot, it may be due to irritation, infection, or other conditions not related to cataracts.

Learn about red or bloodshot eyes

Diabetic retinopathy

If you have diabetes, it can affect your eyesight over time, sometimes in ways that feel like cataracts.

Learn more about diabetic retinopathy

Dry eye syndrome

A gritty or burning feeling in your eyes? Dry eyes can blur your vision and make your eyes feel tired or sore.

Learn more about dry eye syndrome

Presbyopia

Finding it harder to focus up close? Presbyopia is a natural part of ageing and can affect vision alongside cataracts.

Learn more about presbyopia

Noticed a change in your eyesight?

If you have any concerns about your eye health, contact or visit your local optometrist immediately – even if you do not have an appointment.

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Written with care and check for accuracy

https://images.ctfassets.net/9iidzgmcsjdo/5MOHMWWLzVZVlGi5prM4Rl/e879542e8756c2f5bc061ec35a095ad1/dr_darshan_singh-optometrist_partner.jpg

Dr. Darshan S. Matharu

Dr. Darshan S. Matharu is a licensed optometrist with the College of Optometrists of British Columbia. He is the optometrist partner at Specsavers Terra Nova in Richmond BC and also serves on the Optometry Steering Group for British Columbia, which helps strategize and develop new clinical programs for Specsavers Canada.

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Noticed a change in your vision? Whether it’s something new or something that’s been bothering you for a while, we’re here to help.

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