Cataract surgery

Cataracts are cloudy patches in the lens (the transparent structure at the front of the eye). They can make vision blurred or misty and can develop in one or both eyes. One eye can often be more affected than the other. 

The lens

The lens is usually clear and allows light to pass through it to the back of the eye. However, if parts of the lens become cloudy (opaque), light is unable to pass through the cloudy patches.

Over time, the cloudy patches can become bigger and more of them can develop. As less light is able to pass through the lens, a person’s vision is likely to become blurry or cloudy. The cloudier the lens becomes, the more a person’s sight will be affected.

How common are cataracts?

Cataracts most commonly affect older people and are the leading cause of impaired vision throughout the world. It is estimated that over half of all people over 65 have some cataract development in one or both eyes.

Childhood cataracts are very rare, affecting about 3 in 10,000 children in the UK.

See the Health A-Z topics about Age-related cataracts and Childhood cataracts for more information.

Surgery

In most cases, a cataract will continue to develop and the only way to restore vision is by having surgery to remove the cataract. Cataract surgery is one of the most common and quickest forms of surgery. Many people are able to return to their usual daily routine 24 hours after having the operation.

The procedure to remove a cataract usually lasts 30-45 minutes, and vision is improved almost immediately. After cataract surgery, most people will need to wear glasses for either near or distance vision, or both. However, once these have been fitted, about 95% of people will have normal vision.

Glossary

The transparent structure at the front of your eye, just behind your pupil (the black circle in the centre).