Age-related cataracts

Cataracts are when the lens, a small transparent disc inside your eye, develops cloudy patches.

Over time these patches usually become bigger causing blurry, misty vision and eventually blindness.

When we're young, our lenses are usually like clear glass, allowing us to see through them. As we get older, they start to become frosted, like bathroom glass, and begin to limit our vision.

Cataracts usually appear in both eyes. They may not necessarily develop at the same time or be the same in each eye.

They're more common in older adults and can affect your ability to carry out daily activities such as driving.

Cataracts can also affect babies and young children. For more information, read about childhood cataracts.

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When to seek medical advice

You should see an optician if you have any of these symptoms:

  • your eyesight is blurred or misty
  • you find lights too bright or glaring
  • you find it harder to see in low light
  • colours look faded

If you wear glasses, you may feel your lenses are dirty and need cleaning, even when they do not.

Cataracts are not usually painful and do not make your eyes red or irritated, but they can be painful if they're in an advanced stage or if you've got another eye condition.

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Driving and cataracts

If you have cataracts, it could affect your ability to drive.

You do not need to tell the DVLA if you have (or previously had) cataracts and you still meet the visual standards for driving.

If you drive a bus, coach or lorry, you do not need to tell the DVLA if you have (or previously had) cataracts and:

For more information, read about cataracts and driving on the GOV.UK website.

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