Health information to help you understand symptoms. It isn't a diagnosis.About OwieClear
Check symptoms

Cataracts

Also called: Cataracts, cataract

Clouding of the eye's lens that makes vision blurry, dim, or glary. It's very common with age, and surgery restores clear vision safely.

TypeClouding of the lens
Common inOver 60
TreatmentSurgery when it affects daily life

Overview

The lens focuses light. With age, proteins in it clump and cloud it.

Cataracts grow slowly. Colors may look faded and night driving gets harder.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Cloudy or dim vision, or glare and halos at night

Less common

  • Faded colors
  • Frequent glasses changes

When to get medical care

Call 911Sudden vision loss or eye pain.
Get care todaySudden blurry vision, eye pain, or seeing flashes.
See a doctor soonVision problems that make reading, driving, or daily tasks hard.

Causes

Aging, plus diabetes, smoking, sun exposure, steroid use, and eye injury.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Age
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Long-term steroids

Diagnosis

An eye doctor diagnoses cataracts.

Questions you may be asked

  • Trouble with reading, driving, or glare

The exam

A dilated eye exam.

Treatment

Early on, new glasses and better light help.

Self-care

  • Use brighter lights for reading
  • Wear sunglasses to cut glare
  • Avoid night driving if glare is bad

Surgery replaces the cloudy lens with a clear artificial lens. It's one of the safest, most common surgeries.

Prevention

To slow them:

  • Wear sunglasses
  • Don't smoke
  • Control diabetes

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to an ophthalmologist (eye doctor and surgeon) or an optometrist.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

  • Set up a pill organizer and a simple daily routine.
  • Make the home safe from falls.
  • Go to visits with them and write down what the doctor says.
  • Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Surgery restores good vision for most people.

Myths and facts

Myth: Cataracts can be fixed with eye drops.

Fact: Surgery is the only treatment that removes a cataract.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

  • Is it time for surgery?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Cataracts

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.