Cataracts: Recognising symptoms

You may only become aware that you have cataracts when it is picked up during a routine eye check. Many people over 60 have some cataract but no symptoms. 

Symptoms usually develop over a number of years and may include:

• blurred or cloudy vision - this is the most common symptom;
• experiencing glare problems or being dazzled by lights, such as car headlights, and sunlight;
• noticing that colours appear faded or less vivid;
• difficulty seeing in either dim or bright light;
• noticing that reading and watching TV is more difficult.

As these can be symptoms of other eye conditions you should always visit your optician if your sight is affected in these ways or if you notice any other changes in your vision.