Cataracts Explained: Symptoms & Cataracts Surgery

What are cataracts?

Cataracts happen when the clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy. It usually builds up slowly, making your vision feel blurry, foggy or dim. You might notice lights feel too bright or colours look faded. Some people say it’s like looking through a misted‑up window.

Cataracts are very common, especially as we get older, but they’re treatable. Cataracts surgery can make a big difference. Your optometrist (sometimes still called an optician) will be able to spot signs of cataracts during an eye test.

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Lens
This is where cataracts form. When the lens becomes cloudy, light can’t pass through properly, making your vision blurry, dim or faded.
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Retina
Cataracts can block or scatter light before it reaches the retina, which means less detail, colour and contrast in what you see.
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Pupil
It controls how much light enters the eye. Cataracts form just behind the pupil, so even though your eye may look normal, your sight can still be affected.

What does vision with cataracts look like?

If you have cataracts, your vision might look misty or blurred, a bit like a fogged‑up bathroom mirror. Colours can look faded, and bright lights may cause glare or halos, especially at night. Reading, driving or seeing faces might get harder, especially in low light. Some people say it feels like there’s a film over their eyes that they can’t wipe away.

Are there different types of cataracts?

There are several types of cataracts and knowing which kind you have can help explain your symptoms.

Nuclear

Nuclear cataracts form in the central part of the lens, known as the nucleus. They usually develop slowly over time and are most commonly linked to ageing. The lens hardens and yellows leading to a gradual decline in vision. This affects your ability to see things clearly in the distance and increases sensitivity to glare at night.

Cortical

Cortical cataracts start at the outer edge of the lens and gradually spread towards the centre. They produce wedge like streaks or spoke like opacities. This type can cause problems with glare, depth perception (difficulty judging distances) and contrast, especially when driving at night or in low light.

Posterior subcapsular

Posterior subcapsular cataracts form at the back of the lens. They often develop faster than other types and can affect your near vision, reading and ability to see clearly in bright light or sunlight, even when everything else looks fine.

What are the signs you might have cataracts?

Cataracts don’t usually appear all at once, they tend to build up slowly over time. So, what is the first sign of cataracts? You might notice:

Blurry or cloudy vision
Trouble seeing at night
Glare or halos around lights
Colours looking faded or yellow
Needing brighter light for reading
Vision that feels misty or dim

One of the first signs of cataracts is needing to change your glasses more often, but still not seeing clearly. If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth booking an eye test.

Not sure how to tell if you have cataracts? If your vision still feels dim or blurry, even with the right glasses, it’s worth booking an eye test. We’ll check your eyes and explain what’s going on.

Cataracts don’t usually cause eye pain, so if you’re experiencing discomfort, it could be another issue and worth checking.

Stages of cataracts

1. Early stage cataracts

The lens starts to become cloudy, but it’s often too mild to cause major symptoms. You may not realise you have a cataract until it’s found at a routine eye test.

2. Developing cataracts

The cloudiness spreads, and you might notice blurry or cloudy vision, glare, or trouble seeing in dim light. You may need to update your glasses prescription more often.

3. Mature cataracts

The lens is very cloudy, making it hard to see. Colours may look faded, and tasks like reading or driving get harder. This is when surgery is usually recommended.

4. Hypermature cataracts

Vision is severely compromised at this stage. If left untreated, the lens can harden, shrink, or leak fluid. There is an increased risk of inflammation or pressure build up inside the eye. Surgery is needed at this stage.

Regular checks help spot cataracts early. If you’re worried about your sight, book an eye test.

What causes cataracts – and who’s more likely to get them?

Cataracts usually develop as we get older. Over time, the protein structures in the lens of your eye start to break down and clump together, which makes the lens cloudy and affects how well you can see.

But age isn’t the only factor. Some people are more likely to get cataracts earlier or see them progress more quickly.

You're more at risk if you:

Are over the age of 60
Have diabetes
Taking certain medication can also increase risk, e.g. regular use of steroids
Smoking
Spend a lot of time in bright sunlight without wearing sunglasses
Have had eye surgery or an eye injury
Have a family history of cataracts
Some people are also born with cataracts, but this is rare.

Whatever the cause, cataracts are treatable, often with a quick and straightforward cataract surgery.

If you’re in a higher‑risk group or have noticed changes to your vision, it’s a good idea to book an eye test so we can check your eyes and talk through your options.

Book an eye test

How are cataracts tested and diagnosed?

At your eye test, your optometrist will ask about any sight changes and how they’re affecting your day‑to‑day life. This helps us work out which checks you need.

We’ll do a few easy, painless tests to look for cataracts:

Visual acuity test

You’ll read letters on a Snellen chart to check how well you’re seeing.

Slit‑lamp examination

We use a microscope with a bright light to check the front of your eye, including the lens.

Retinal examination

We may use drops to widen your pupils so we can check the back of your eye.

Refraction test

We see if an updated glasses prescription improves your sight. If not, cataracts could be the reason.

We’ll explain what’s happening and talk you through your options, including monitoring or surgery. Medicare may cover your eye test.

Visual acuity test
You’ll read letters on a Snellen chart to check how clearly you’re seeing.

Slit‑lamp examination
We use a microscope with a bright light to look at the front of your eye.

Retinal examination
We may use drops to widen your pupils to check the back of your eye.

Refraction test
We check if new glasses help your vision. If not, cataracts may be the cause.

If we find cataracts, we’ll explain everything and discuss your next steps.

What the experts say about cataracts

Our expert optometrists see people with cataracts every day. Here, one of our optometrists shares what symptoms to look out for, what happens during an eye test, and how they support people with cataracts, often by helping them decide if and when surgery is the right step.

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How are cataracts treated?

Monitoring your cataracts
If your cataracts are mild and not affecting your sight much, you might not need treatment straight away.
Book an eye test
Making day‑to‑day tasks easier
A stronger prescription, better lighting, or anti‑glare lenses can help initially.
Explore our lens range

Cataracts surgery

If your vision worsens and starts to affect your daily life, surgery is usually recommended. It’s a quick and safe procedure, usually performed under local anaesthetic.

Recovery after surgery

Most people recover within a few days, with full healing taking a few weeks. You’ll get advice on things like showering, returning to work and driving.

Using your eye drops after surgery

After cataract surgery, you’ll be given eye drops to help your eye heal and reduce the risk of infection. We’ll explain exactly how and when to use them, and show you how to put them in if you're unsure. It's important to finish the full course, even if your eye feels fine, they’re a key part of a smooth recovery.

How to book an assessment

If you think you might have cataracts, the first step is a full eye test. Your optometrist can talk through your symptoms and help you decide what to do next.

Book an eye test

Need cataracts surgery? We’re here to help

If we find you have cataracts, we can refer you to an ophthalmologist for further care. Surgery is the only way to treat cataracts and is usually recommended when they begin to affect activities like reading, driving or working.

Most adult eye care is private in New Zealand, but we’ll guide you through your options and help arrange a referral when you’re ready.

Book an eye test

Can cataracts be prevented?

There’s no guaranteed way to stop cataracts from developing. But there are a few simple things you can do to protect your eyes and lower your risk:

1. Wear sunglasses

UV light can speed up cataracts development. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection helps shield your eyes.

2. Manage long‑term health conditions

If you have diabetes or take steroid medication, regular check‑ups and managing your condition can reduce your risk.

3. Eat well

A diet rich in leafy greens, fruit and vegetables is good for your overall eye health.

4. Avoid smoking

Smoking increases your risk of cataracts and other eye problems. Stopping can make a real difference for your‑vision in the long‑term.

Driving with cataracts

Cataracts can affect driving as they worsen. You might not notice much at first, but over time they can cause blurry vision, glare, or problems in low light, making driving harder.

Visual impact

Cataracts can affect detail and distance judgment. Glare or halos around lights are common at night. This can lower confidence on the road.

New Zealand driving rules

If you’re unsure about your eyesight for driving, book an eye test. We’ll check your vision and let you know if you meet the standard. We can also explain if cataracts surgery might help.

Questions about cataracts and surgery

Did you know?

AA Members are entitled to a free eye test (valued at $60), once every two years. Remember to present your AA Membership card in‑store.

Book an appointment See more eye conditions

Written with care and checked for accuracy

Dr Ambhruni Padhye

BSc. (Hons), OD

Dr Ambhruni Padhye graduated from the University of Melbourne with a Bachelor of Science(Honours) and Doctor of Optometry. She has a background in clinical research and extensive experience practising full scope optometry. She has worked as an Optometrist in various Specsavers stores across both metropolitan and regional Victoria and has held positions at the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) and National Vision Research Institute (NVRI).

In her current role within the Clinical Services team, Ambhruni supports Specsavers Optometrist across Australia and New Zealand in various clinical governance and professional services matters. She also contributes to new clinical initiatives aimed at enhancing patient outcomes.

Could it be something else?

Not sure if cataracts explain your symptoms? These pages cover other common vision changes.

Find out more

Why do I need an eye test?
Eye tests play a huge part in making sure your eyes stay healthy.
Check your vision
Your store visit explained
At Specsavers we are focused on caring for your eyes and giving you the best possible vision.
What to expect in‑store
More on eye tests
An eye test is not just about getting glasses – it is a vital health check for your eyes.
All about eye tests

Cataracts

What are cataracts?