Cataracts
Key facts
- A cataract is when the lens of your eye becomes cloudy, which affects your ability to see.
- Cataracts are common and develop mostly in older people.
- Cataracts are a leading cause of blindness.
- If you are aged over 50 years, see your optometrist for regular eye tests.
- Cataracts can usually be successfully treated with a short surgical procedure.
What are cataracts?
A cataract is a clouding of the lens of your eye. The lens is normally clear. Cataracts can happen in one or both eyes.
Cataracts are a leading cause of blindness worldwide.
Cataracts develop mostly in older people, but young people can also get cataracts. Cataracts in children may be called congenital, infantile or juvenile cataracts. This depends on the age at which they develop.
Read more about eyesight in children.
What are the symptoms of cataracts?
Cataracts usually develop slowly and get worse over time. They can affect one eye or both eyes.
If you have cataracts, you may:
- have blurred vision
- have trouble driving at night
- become sensitive to light and glare
- see double
- see halos around lights
Cataracts do not usually cause pain. Symptoms such as sensitivity to light may lead to discomfort.
When cataracts are advanced, the pupil of your eye may appear white.
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.
What causes cataracts?
Cataracts are caused by changes to the lens of your eye. The main causes are getting older and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.
Am I at risk of getting cataracts?
Cataracts mainly affect older people. In Australia, most cataract surgeries are performed on people aged 60 years and over. Cataracts are uncommon in people under 40 years of age. By 70 years of age, around half of the population develops cataracts.
You have a higher chance of developing cataracts if you have:
- a family history of cataracts
- diabetes
- had an eye injury
- had some types of eye surgery (for example a vitrectomy)
- had radiation therapy, such as for cancer treatment
Lifestyle factors such as smoking and drinking too much alcohol may also increase your chance.
When should I see a health professional?
See an optometrist if you have any cataract symptoms or have changes in your vision.
If they think you may have a cataract, they may refer you to an ophthalmologist (a specialist eye doctor). They may arrange further testing and discuss surgery.
FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.
How are cataracts diagnosed?
Cataracts are usually diagnosed based on symptoms and an eye examination. An optometrist or ophthalmologist will perform a thorough eye check. This may include a visual acuity test and examining your eyes with a slit lamp (a microscope used to look closely at your eye).
If you don't have vision problems but you are over 50 years of age, visit an optometrist every 2 years to check for eye disease.
ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.
How are cataracts treated?
Once you have cataracts, your vision will usually continue to worsen over time.
In the early stages, treatment of cataracts may include:
- prescription glasses
- tinted glasses
- vision aids
Cataract surgery
If a cataract starts to affect your everyday life, your doctor or eye specialist may suggest surgery. Surgery removes the cataract. Not all cataracts need to be removed. Discuss whether cataract surgery is right for you.
Cataract surgery is usually safe and painless. It involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens. The procedure is usually done under local anaesthetic and is performed by an ophthalmologist as day surgery.
If both eyes are affected, one eye is normally done first. The other eye may be treated a few days or weeks later.
Cataract surgery is successful for many people in restoring vision. Once the cloudy lens is replaced, a cataract will not form again in that eye.
Living with cataracts
Living with cataracts may affect your quality of life by:
- making everyday activities harder
- reducing your independence
- increasing your chance of falls and accidents
Speak with your doctor or optometrist about your options.
Read more about eye health tips for people over 60 years of age.
Complications of cataracts
Severe or untreated cataracts can slowly reduce your vision. Surgery can usually restore vision, although some vision problems may remain.
Can cataracts be prevented?
There is no proven medical treatment to prevent cataracts.
These tips may help prevent or slow down their development:
- wear sunglasses and a hat
- have regular eye checks
- quit smoking
- stop drinking alcohol or drink less
- if you have diabetes, maintain good control of your blood sugar levels
- eat a healthy diet
Resources and support
- Vision Australia offers services and support for people with low vision.
- The Fred Hollows Foundation has information on eye conditions, including cataracts.
- Centre for Eye Research Australia has information on eye conditions, including cataracts.
- Cataract Kids Australia offers support for children with cataracts and their families.
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Languages other than English
Sydney Eye Hospital has information sheets about eye conditions and cataract surgery in languages other than English.
Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples
The following organisations have more information about cataracts and eye health for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples:
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: December 2026
