June is Cataract Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about one of the most common — and most treatable — causes of vision loss in the UK. In this article, we’ll explain what cataracts are, how to spot the signs, and what your options are if treatment is needed.
What are cataracts and why do they matter?
Cataracts are one of the most common age-related eye conditions in the UK, and one of the most treatable.
A cataract is when the clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy. This happens because proteins in the lens begin to break down and clump together, making it harder for light to pass through. Over time, this leads to blurry vision, dulled colours, and difficulty seeing in certain light conditions.
👁 Did you know? Cataracts are the leading cause of visual impairment globally. In the UK, over 330,000 cataract operations are performed every year by the NHS, making it one of the most common surgeries.
What causes cataracts to form?
While ageing is the most common cause, there are several other risk factors. These include:
- 👉 Smoking
- 👉 Diabetes
- 👉 Overexposure to UV light
- 👉 A family history of cataracts
- 👉 Prolonged use of corticosteroids
- 👉 Previous eye injury or surgery
- 👉 Excessive alcohol consumption
There’s also something called secondary cataracts, which can develop after other eye conditions or operations.
📚 A study published in The Lancet Global Health highlights UV exposure as a key environmental factor, meaning sunglasses with proper UV protection can play a preventative role.
What are the early warning signs of cataracts?
Cataracts tend to develop gradually, and many people don’t realise their vision is changing until it starts affecting daily life. Watch out for:
- 👉 Blurred or misty vision
- 👉 Sensitivity to bright lights or glare
- 👉 Poor night vision, especially while driving
- 👉 Colours appearing faded or yellowed
- 👉 Double vision in one eye
- 👉 Needing frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescription
These symptoms may not all appear at once and some are easy to mistake for “normal ageing.” But if your vision feels different, it’s always worth getting checked.
Do I really need to treat cataracts right away?
Not necessarily, but waiting too long isn’t wise either.
In the early stages, a stronger glasses prescription or better lighting at home may help manage symptoms. But cataracts do not improve on their own, and over time, they can severely impact your quality of life, interfering with driving, reading, recognising faces, and even avoiding obstacles when walking.
🚗 Important: In the UK, you’re legally required to meet a minimum standard of vision to drive. Cataracts can cause you to fall below this threshold without realising it.
Once the cataract begins to significantly affect your daily activities, surgery is usually the best option.
What does cataract surgery involve?
Cataract surgery is a quick, straightforward procedure where the cloudy lens is replaced with a clear artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens (IOL).
It’s usually done as a day case under local anaesthetic, meaning you’re awake but don’t feel pain. Most people are in and out of the clinic in a matter of hours and visual recovery begins within just a few days.
🏥 Success rate: Cataract surgery has a 98–99% success rate in restoring functional vision, according to the NHS and Royal College of Ophthalmologists.
Is cataract surgery safe?
Yes. Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most effective surgeries performed today. The risk of complications is very low, especially when performed in a high-quality clinical setting.
Some people worry about surgery on their eyes, but the procedure has come a long way in the last two decades. With modern techniques, most patients report little to no discomfort and are amazed by how much better they can see afterwards.
✅ Common benefits reported post-surgery include:
- 👉 Sharper, clearer vision
- 👉 Brighter and more vivid colours
- 👉 Better night vision
- 👉 Less dependence on glasses
Can cataracts come back?
Once the cloudy lens is removed, the cataract cannot come back. However, some people experience a similar clouding of vision months or years later—this is called posterior capsule opacification (PCO), sometimes referred to as a “secondary cataract.”
It’s not a true cataract, and it’s easily treated with a quick, painless laser procedure (YAG laser capsulotomy) in clinic.
Why do we refer patients to SpaMedica?
At our Edwards & Walker, we want you to get the care you need without unnecessary delay. That’s why we work closely with SpaMedica, a trusted NHS cataract surgery provider with a location in Doncaster.
SpaMedica provides cataract surgery on behalf of the NHS, but without the usual waiting times. This means you get all the benefits of NHS-funded care—at no cost to you—but with:
- 👉 Faster access to surgery
SpaMedica typically offers consultation and surgery appointments much quicker than standard NHS routes. - 👉 State-of-the-art facilities
Their Doncaster clinic is equipped with modern diagnostic and surgical technology, making the whole process more comfortable and efficient. - 👉 Dedicated patient support
From booking through to post-op care, their team offers a personalised experience—one many patients say exceeded expectations. - 👉High patient satisfaction
SpaMedica has consistently high reviews and is well-regarded across the UK for its care quality and outcomes.
📍 You can find out more about SpaMedica’s Doncaster location here.
When we refer you, we continue to stay involved in your care before and after surgery, ensuring a seamless, well-supported journey from diagnosis to recovery.
How do I get checked for cataracts?
The only way to confirm a cataract is through a comprehensive eye test.
Wherever you go for your test, make sure your:
- 👉 Your vision is tested using standard and advanced testing methods
- 👉 Your retina and lenses are examined
- 👉 Your overall eye health and prescription are checked properly
- 👉 You feel comfortable talking through any symptoms or visual changes you’ve noticed
If cataracts are identified that are ready for surgery — or progressing quickly — you should always be guided through the referral process.
Can I do anything to prevent cataracts?
While you can’t stop the natural ageing process, you can reduce your risk or slow the progression of cataracts by protecting your eye health:
- 👉 Wear UV-blocking sunglasses year-round
- 👉 Eat a balanced diet rich in leafy greens, citrus fruits, and omega-3s
- 👉 Control conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure
- 👉 Stop smoking, as tobacco use doubles your risk
- 👉 Attend regular eye exams, especially after age 50
🍎 Research spotlight: A 2022 meta-analysis in Nutrients found a strong link between antioxidant-rich diets and reduced cataract progression, particularly in older adults.
Final thoughts: Cataract awareness starts with you
This Cataract Awareness Month, take a moment to ask yourself: Has your vision changed recently? Are you finding it harder to see clearly, especially in low light? Are colours looking a little duller?
Cataracts are common but they’re also highly treatable. The key is spotting them early and taking action before they start affecting your lifestyle and independence.
If you’re over 50 or have noticed any of the symptoms described, feel free to book an eye test with us today. We’ll assess your vision, talk you through any findings, and if necessary, refer you to SpaMedica for fast, trusted cataract treatment.
Because when it comes to your eyes, doing nothing could mean seeing less.
