# Symptoms of Cataract in the Eye

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/blog/cataract-treatments/symptoms-of-cataract-in-the-eye

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-06

> **Summary:** Cataract occurs when the lens of the eye, or the membrane surrounding it, becomes cloudy and stops light reaching the back of the eye clearly. It usually appears with age, shows itself through blurred or double vision, light sensitivity and poorer night vision, and can cause blindness if untreated. The treatment is cataract surgery with an intraocular lens.

## Quick Facts
- **More Common From:** Age 55-60 (age-related type)
- **Treatment:** Cataract surgery with intraocular lens
- **Incision Size:** 2.2 mm at the edge of the cornea
- **Anaesthesia:** Mostly anaesthetic eye drops, no injections, no general anaesthesia; light sedation if needed; no hospitalisation
- **Operation Duration:** About 15-20 minutes per eye on average
- **Return to Daily Life:** Within 3-4 days
- **Full Recovery:** 3-4 weeks

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## Symptoms of Cataract
The most common symptoms are blurred vision, headache, glare and light sensitivity. Cataract is also described as a curtain in the eye. Other symptoms include:
- Cloudy, blurred or double vision, foggy or smoky vision
- Loss of depth of vision
- Difficulty seeing while driving
- Light sensitivity: lights appear blurred or as lines
- Difficulty seeing at distance or near
- Eye strain
- Decreased night vision
- Good near vision without glasses
- Needing extra light when reading
- A reduced angle of vision

If symptoms affect quality of life and persist for a long time, see an ophthalmologist.

## What is Cataract?
The lens is normally transparent and lets light reach the back chamber of the eye. In cataract it becomes cloudy, so less light passes through, causing vision problems, blurred vision and the need for more light. If the lens is not replaced or cleaned, the condition can cause blindness.

## Types of Cataract
- **Age-related cataract:** More common after age 55-60, with vision decreasing gradually. The risk is higher and progression faster in diabetic patients, so age-related vision problems should be checked by a doctor rather than considered normal.
- **Congenital cataract:** One or both eyes lose lens transparency at birth. Discomforts or infections of the mother during pregnancy, or medications she used, can contribute; it can also occur spontaneously.

## Causes of Cataract
Cataracts are caused by protein deposits in the natural lens behind the pupil. Contributing factors:
- Old age and genetic predisposition
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Diabetes and high blood pressure
- Excessive exposure to sunlight
- Uveitis
- Previous eye diseases and surgeries
- Radiation used in cancer treatment
- Wounds in the eye
- Long-term use of drugs such as steroids
- Other environmental factors

## Cataract Surgery
The accumulated protein is cleaned, the damaged lens is removed and replaced with an intraocular lens. Customisable lenses eliminate problems seeing far or near, restoring vision without contact lenses or glasses.

### Before Surgery
- A detailed check-up is absolutely necessary.
- Report conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure to the doctor.
- The method is chosen by measuring the eye structure and size.

### During Surgery
- Small 2.2 mm incisions at the edge of the cornea; special devices clean the deposits in the lens.
- Mostly anaesthetic drops and solutions, without injections or general anaesthesia; light sedation is given if needed; no hospitalisation.
- About 15-20 minutes per eye on average.

### After Surgery
- Patients return to daily life within 3-4 days; full recovery takes 3-4 weeks.