Cataracts FAQs

What are the symptoms of a cataract?

The most common symptoms of cataracts are cloudy or blurred vision. However, it can also manifest in other ways, such as poor night vision – especially while driving – light sensitivity, colours appearing faded, ‘halos’ appearing around lights, and double vision in one or both eyes.

How will my eye doctor know I have a cataract?

If you believe you may have symptoms of a cataract, it’s important to seek out medical advice and potentially undergo examination. The diagnostic process for cataracts is generally straightforward. After reviewing your medical history, you may be required to take various eye tests including vision measurement (i.e. being asked to read an eye chart), an examination of the outside and/or inside of your eye, and potentially a tonometry test, which measures the internal pressure of your eye and tests for glaucoma.

Can cataracts run in the family?

While most people will have experienced at least some form of cataracts by the time they turn 80, it’s also important to look at family history, as cataracts can run in the family.

Can chemotherapy cause cataracts?

Chemotherapy, as well as other forms of therapy such as hormone therapy, immunotherapy and steroids, have been shown to contribute to an increased risk of cataracts.

How does diabetes cause cataracts?

There are different mechanisms which may cause cataracts in people with diabetes. One of these causes is osmotic and oxidative stress. When the cortical lens fibres swell extensively in the eye, this can result in the rapid development of cataracts—especially in young people with type 1 diabetes.

What is a “secondary cataract”?

Also known as an after-cataract, a secondary cataract is cloudiness that appears in the lens of a small number of patients who undergo cataract surgery. Secondary cataracts can appear after just a few months or several years.

Can early-stage cataracts be reversed?

No. Currently, early-stage cataracts cannot be reversed; however, you can take preventative steps to help slow progression.

Can cataracts cause presbyopia?

Cataracts are often linked with presbyopia, but generally the term presbyopia refers to far or longsightedness, which typically occurs in middle and old age.

What is the difference between cataract and presbyopia?

While presbyopia is far-sightedness and can therefore be corrected with prescription reading glasses (although cataract surgery can also help overcome presbyopia), cataracts are instead what happens when the proteins in your eye lens break down and cause cloudiness and blurring of vision.

Cataract surgery FAQs

Cataracts can make everyday tasks more difficult. As you get older, you should be able to enjoy all the finer things during your golden years. That’s why getting cataract surgery is such a common decision for many Australians. Here, we answer some of the most common questions about cataract surgery.

Do both eyes need cataract surgery?

That depends on the progression of cataracts and whether you require surgery on both. Generally, it’s recommended that you have surgery on one eye first to allow it time to heal and see if there are any complications or post-surgery inflammation.

How much will cataract surgery increase my vision?

The vast majority of people who have cataract surgery – more than 90% – say they have experienced a significant improvement in their vision and a better quality of life after surgery.

Are you awake during cataract surgery?

Patients are awake during cataract surgery, as local anaesthesia or topical anaesthetic is used. The local anaesthesia is injected near the eye, while a topical anaesthetic is administered in the form of eye drops.

How long is vision impaired after cataract surgery?

Your sight may be blurry while it recovers following cataract surgery. Some patients find their vision clears completely within a day of surgery, while others may take several days to fully recover. Speak to your doctor if you are still experiencing impaired vision several weeks after surgery.

Does astigmatism get worse after cataract surgery?

When left untreated, research shows that astigmatism can worsen following successful cataract surgery. This means that while the cloudiness of your lens may improve – and therefore your vision will improve – you may notice blurred vision because of your worsening astigmatism.

Does cataract surgery change eye colour?

No. Cataract surgery will not change the colour of your eyes. However, depending on the lens used during surgery, some patients may perceive colours differently following their cataract surgery.