Cataract
Clouding of the lens in the eye, causing blurry vision. It's very common with age and treated with a simple operation.
Quick Summary
Blurred or cloudy vision, glare from lights, faded colours, poor night vision and frequent changes in glasses.
Cataract surgery to replace the cloudy lens with a clear artificial one.
Older age, diabetes, smoking, sunlight exposure, long-term steroid use and eye injury.
Overview
The lens focuses light onto the back of the eye. With age, proteins in the lens clump together and cloud it.
Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in India, yet surgery is safe, quick and highly effective.
Symptoms
Blurred vision
Like looking through a foggy window.
Glare
From headlights and bright lights.
Faded colours
Colours look dull or yellowish.
Changing glasses
Frequent changes in prescription.
Causes & Risk Factors
Biological Causes
Ageing changes in the lens proteins, sped up by other risk factors.
Key Risk Factors
- Age Most people over 60 have some cataract.
- Diabetes Cataracts develop earlier.
- Smoking and sunlight Increase risk.
Management & Treatment
01. Glasses
Help in early stages.
02. Surgery
Day-care surgery replacing the lens.
03. After surgery
Eye drops and follow-up visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I have surgery?
Can cataract come back?
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Cataract(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Cataracts in adults(opens in a new tab) · NHS