Cataracts are cloudy patches or areas in the lens inside your eye. They can develop in one or both eyes. One eye can often be more affected than the other.
The lens is normally clear. It allows light to pass through to the back of your eye, helping you to see sharp images. If parts of the lens become cloudy (opaque), light cannot pass through the cloudy patches. Over time, these patches usually become bigger, and more of them develop. As less light is able to pass through the lens, your vision may become blurry or cloudy. The cloudier the lens becomes, the more your sight will be affected.
If you have do have cataracts, it may have implications for driving. See the 'useful links' section for how to inform the DVLA about medical conditons.
How common are cataracts?
Cataracts are the main cause of impaired vision in the world, especially in developing countries. They affect men and women equally.
In one UK research study, around 30% of people aged 65 and over had cataracts in one or both eyes that impaired their vision.
Cataracts are most commonly found in older people. These are called age-related cataracts.
Rarely, babies can have cataracts when they are born.
