Introduction

If you have a cataract, it means the lens in your eye is cloudy. Things look blurry. You may feel as if you're looking through a dirty window or frosted glass. Cataracts are common, especially in older people.

New glasses or sunglasses to cut down on glare might help for a while. But an operation is the only way to get rid of your cataract. Most people see much better and enjoy life more afterwards.

We've brought together the best research about cataracts and weighed up the evidence about how to treat them. You can use our information to talk to your doctor and decide which treatments are best for you.

Normally, the lens of your eye is clear. But if you have a cataract, it means you have a cloudy spot in your lens.

As the cataract grows, your sight gets blurry or misty.^[1] You might feel as if you're looking through glasses that are dirty or scratched. It's just like a camera lens that's got scratched. The marks would show up on the pictures.

Cataracts are common. They can happen at any age, but most form as people get older.

If you have a cataract, you shouldn't worry. It might not bother you at first. And when it does, you can have an operation to take it out. You should be able to see much better afterwards.

Key points for people with cataracts

• One-third of people over the age of 65 have cataracts.

• Most cataracts are caused by ageing.

• Your chances of getting cataracts as you get older can be higher because of the way you live. For example, your chances are higher if you smoke or you go out in the sun a lot.

• Cataracts can also be caused by other things. You can be born with them or get them because of health problems such as diabetes.

• Surgery is the only treatment for cataracts that we know works.

• You should be able to see much better and enjoy life more after having surgery. But there are risks, and your eyesight probably still won't be perfect.