Cataracts - A Natural Part of Aging

Cataracts are a natural part of aging—if you live long enough, you’re almost certain to develop them. The lens in your eye gradually becomes cloudy, making it harder to see clearly. It’s a slow process, which means many people don’t realise how much their vision has changed until after treatment.

At Paterson Burn, we help patients understand when cataracts are interfering with daily life. Everyone’s experience is different, so we take a personalised approach to monitoring and managing cataracts over time.

What Cataracts Feel Like

The most common symptom is blurry or cloudy vision, often described as looking through a foggy window. You might also notice increased glare—especially at night—and colours may seem dull or yellowed.

Other signs include needing more light for reading, frequent changes in your glasses, or seeing halos around lights. These symptoms usually worsen gradually, and many patients don’t realise how much they've adapted until they experience clear vision again.

Who's at Risk?

Age is the main driver, but cataracts can form earlier due to genetics, diabetes, long-term steroid use, or eye injuries. If your parents had cataracts, your chances are higher.

Lifestyle also plays a role. Smoking, poor nutrition, and prolonged UV exposure can speed things up. Wearing good sunglasses and eating a healthy diet can help protect your lens health.

When Surgery Makes Sense

Cataract surgery isn’t about what we see under the microscope—it’s about how your vision affects your life. Trouble driving at night, struggling to read, or avoiding your usual activities can all be signs it’s time to consider surgery.

It’s a personal decision based on your lifestyle and comfort. There’s no rush, but once cataracts start impacting your day-to-day, delaying surgery doesn’t offer any benefit.

What Surgery is Like

Cataract surgery is safe, fast, and highly successful. The cloudy lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial one. The procedure takes about 20 minutes, and most people notice clearer vision within a day or two.

Recovery is usually quick—some eye drops and a bit of care, and you’re back to normal activities. Many patients are surprised at how vibrant their world looks again and wish they’d done it sooner.