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Cataracts in
a perspective

  • A Normal Part of Aging

    Most people over 65 will develop cataracts.

  • You Have Options

    You have an important choice to make when it comes to the kind of vision you want after cataract surgery.

  • Highly Successful Surgery

    Cataract surgery is one of the most successful surgical procedures of all time.

  • What is Cataracts?

    Yellowing of the natural lens that may block you from seeing clearly.

  • Treatment

    Removed with a safe, common outpatient surgery and replaced with a small, soft intraocular lens (IOL).

  • Age 60+

    Very common and usually become noticeable after age 60*.

Have you been
diagnosed
with cataracts?

Cataracts are a normal part of aging. A common sign of cataracts is dull or cloudy vision. Cataracts occur as you get older, developing gradually. The only way to treat cataracts is with cataract surgery. Find out more about these and other symptoms. Along with guidance from your eye care professional, this video will help you understand the signs, causes and treatment for cataracts better.1

Understanding other

eye conditions

ASTIGMATISM is a common defect in the shape of a cornea that blurs vision and distorts light before it reaches the lens of the eye. If you have astigmatism but don’t get it corrected during cataract correction, you may still need to wear glasses after the procedure.

Astigmatism Normal

ASTIGMATISM is a common defect in the shape of a cornea that blurs vision and distorts light before it reaches the lens of the eye. If you have astigmatism but don’t get it corrected during cataract correction, you may still need to wear glasses after the procedure.

Astigmatism Normal
01

Blurry vision

The most common symptom of cataracts is seeing blurry images at any distance. People may describe their vision as foggy, cloudy, or filmy. It may be especially hard for people with cataracts to see and drive at night
02

Glare

Glare, or sensitivity to light, is another symptom of cataracts. Indoor lights may begin to seem too bright, or they may appear to have halos around them. Glare from oncoming headlights can cause problems with driving at night
03

Double vision

Diplopia, or double vision, when looking with one eye can be another symptom of cataracts. This is not the same as diplopia that arises from improper alignment of your eyes. The double vision seen with cataracts occurs even when you look through only one eye
04

Change in colours

Cataracts also affect color vision. Some colors may appear faded, and things may acquire a yellowish or brownish tint. This may not be noticed at first, but with time, distinguishing between blues and purples can be difficult.
05

Second sight

In this situation, the cataract acts as a stronger lens, temporarily improving the ability to see things at a close distance. People who formerly needed reading glasses may no longer need them However, as the cataract worsens over time, this temporary improvement in near vision disappears.

06

New prescriptions

People with cataracts often need frequent changes in their eyeglasses or contact lenses because their vision deteriorates over time.

4 stages of cataract

development.

Cataract progression varies with each individual and is dependent on the type of cataract and other accelerating risk factors such as age, exposure to UV rays and use of certain medications. Understanding the different stages of cataract development is useful in planning treatment.2

The Early Stage

At this stage, the lens remains clear but the ability to focus at distance and then refocus on near objects is slowly lost.2

Symptoms

  • Mild burning or clouding
  • Increasing eye strain
  • Increasing light sensitivity
  • Early appearance of glare
Explore treatment options

The Immature Stage

At this stage, lens opacity is enough to noticeably obstruct vision. If the eye is illuminated from the side, the edge of the pupil casts a shadow on the lens.2

Symptoms

  • Blurred vision
  • Dimmed vision
  • Double vision
Explore treatment options

The Mature Stage

A mature cataract causes the lens to become completely white or deep amber in colour. The iris edge no longer casts a shadow.2

Symptoms

  • Blurred vision
  • Dimmed vision
  • Double vision
  • Difficulty in seeing things, altering quality of life
Explore treatment options

The Hyper-mature Stage

At this stage, the lens becomes shrunken with white spots and occasionally may partially dislocate or suffer from secondary glaucoma.2

Symptoms

  • Loss of vision
  • Significant blur
  • Double vision
Explore treatment options

Types of

Cataract

The progression rate varies depending on the type
of cataract you have been diagnosed with.2

Nuclear Sclerotic

These cataracts form deep in the nucleus. The yellowing and hardening of the central portion of the crystalline lens occurs slowly over years.

Cortical 

These Cataract have white opaque "spoke" that start peripheral vision and works toward the center. Progression is variable with some progressing over years and others in months. 

Posterior Subcapsular 

Progression is variable but tends to progress more rapidly than nuclear sclerotic cataracts. They affect diabetics and people who use high doses of steroids.

Early treatment

is the key

Depending on the IOL you choose (in conjunction with your surgeon), cataract surgery may also help you become less dependent on glasses, or even spectacle-free.

It’s important to discuss your IOL options with your surgeon prior to surgery to ensure you receive the IOL most suited to your needs.2

Explore treatment options

Find a cataract surgeon
near you

Use our Cataract Surgeon Finder tool to
locate a surgeon near you who offers
a range of IOL options.
Surgeon Finder Tool

Download our
discussion guide

Lead the conversation with
your doctor to understand the IOL choice
that;s right for you.
Doctor discussion guide
References
  1. Cataract. Kellogg Eye Center website. https://www.umkelloggeye.org/conditions-treatments/cataract. Accessed Feb 09, 2023.
  2. https://www.sweye.com/blog/cataracts/cataract-progression-rate/ 
  3. https://www.medicinenet.com/cataracts_pictures_slideshow/article.htm
  • Please refer to the relevant product operator’s manual for a complex list of indications, contradictions, and warnings.

The Early Stage

At this stage, the lens remains clear but the ability to focus at distance and then refocus on near objects is slowly lost.

Symptoms

  • Mild burning or clouding
  • Increasing eye strain
  • Increasing light sensitivity
  • Early appearance of glare

The Immature Stage

At this stage, lens opacity is enough to noticeably obstruct vision. If the eye is illuminated from the side, the edge of the pupil casts a shadow on the lens.

Symptoms

  • Blurred vision
  • Dimmed vision
  • Double vision

The Mature Stage

A mature cataract causes the lens to become completely white or deep amber in colour. The iris edge no longer casts a shadow.

Symptoms

  • Blurred vision
  • Dimmed vision
  • Double vision
  • Difficulty in seeing things, altering quality of life

The Hyper-mature Stage

At this stage, the lens becomes shrunken with white spots and occasionally may partially dislocate or suffer from secondary glaucoma.

Symptoms

  • Loss of vision
  • Significant blur
  • Double vision

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Please refer to relevant products DFU or operator’s manuals for complete list of indications, contraindications and warnings.

©2023 Alcon Inc. 09/23 SA-VIV-2300005