Cataracts Fact Sheets
What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the clear lens in the eye and is one of the leading causes of vision impairment.
While cataracts most commonly occur in those who are older, they can develop in younger people as well. Some are even born with a cataract.
What are the symptoms?
In its early stages a cataract may not cause vision problems. However some of the common signs associated with advanced cataracts include:
- Blurred vision
- Glare sensitivity
- Distortion or double vision in the affected eye
- A feeling of looking through a veil or curtain
Who is at risk?
Those most at risk include people who have:
- A family history of the eye condition
- Diabetes
- An injury to the eye
- Exposed their eyes to sunlight without protection over a long term
- Smoked for a period of time
Can it be treated?
When symptoms begin to appear, vision may be improved through the use of new glasses, strong bifocals, magnification, appropriate lighting or other visual aids.
In more advanced cases, cataract surgery is very successful in restoring vision.
Find out more
Contact us
Call: 1300 84 74 66
TTY: 02 9334 3260
Fax: 02 9747 5993
Website: www.visionaustralia.org
Street Address (State Head Offices)
NSW and ACT: 4 Mitchell Street, Enfield NSW 2136
Queensland: 373 Old Cleveland Road, Coorparoo Qld 4151
Victoria: 454 Glenferrie Road, Kooyong Vic 3144
Vision Australia is a living partnership between people who are blind, sighted or have low vision. We are united by our passion that in the future people who are blind or have low vision will have access to and fully participate in every part of life they choose.
This page last updated: 20 August 2008