Can cataracts cause dizziness?
Cataracts are known for causing blurry vision, but can they also cause dizziness? Many patients notice that as their cataracts worsen, they experience balance issues, light sensitivity, and even vertigo.
At Sharmina Khan’s eye clinic, we understand how frustrating these symptoms can be. If you’re experiencing dizziness alongside vision changes, your cataracts might be playing a bigger role than you think.
Let’s explore how cataracts can affect your balance and what you can do about it.
How can cataracts cause dizziness?
Cataracts develop gradually, making vision cloudy and distorted over time. But how does this lead to dizziness?
- Blurred vision & depth perception issues
- Cataracts reduce contrast and clarity, making it harder to judge distances.
- This can cause difficulty with stairs, uneven surfaces, or even walking in busy areas, leading to a feeling of unsteadiness.
Solution: If you find yourself tripping or struggling with depth perception, cataract surgery can help restore clearer vision and better spatial awareness.
- Increased Sensitivity to Light
- Cataracts can cause glare and halos, especially in bright sunlight or at night.
- Sudden light exposure can lead to momentary disorientation or dizziness.
Solution: Wearing polarised sunglasses and avoiding direct sunlight can reduce discomfort. Cataract surgery permanently resolves glare sensitivity.
- Vision imbalance between eyes
- If one eye has a more advanced cataract than the other, your brain struggles to process images evenly, leading to dizziness.
- Some patients experience double vision, making balance even harder.
Solution: Cataract surgery restores equal clarity in both eyes, eliminating the visual imbalance.
When should you see a doctor?
If you experience:
- Frequent dizziness that affects daily life
- Blurry or double vision
- Trouble with balance, stairs, or depth perception
Can Cataract Surgery Help with Dizziness?
YES! Removing cataracts restores clear vision, which improves:
- Depth perception & balance
- Reduced glare sensitivity
- Even vision in both eyes
If your dizziness is caused by vision problems, cataract surgery could be the solution you need.
If you're experiencing dizziness and vision problems, take our quick self-test to see if cataract surgery is the right solution for you!
Are you suitable for vision treatments?
They aren’t suitable for everyone.
Find out if you could benefit from this life-changing surgery by taking the quick self-suitability quiz below:
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What our patients say…
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Had cataract surgery on both eyes simultaneously last week and, 7 days later, the vision is brilliant. I can see to read as well, including small print smaller than I expected! I can see car number plates at the end of the road. Everything was excellent, and I could not have wished for anything better.”
Verified patient on Doctify★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“My cataract surgery was a great experience. My vision is now brighter; overall, I felt informed and secure throughout, and I am glad I did it and definitely recommend Sharmina Khan. Everyone at the hospital was great, very professional, friendly, and treated me very nicely. During the surgery, I didn’t feel any pain at any time. The recovery was very easy and smooth.”
Verified patient on Doctify★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I was very nervous about having cataract surgery, as I have other medical conditions in both eyes. Ms. Khan allayed all of my fears and explained everything in detail to me. Now that both surgeries are completed, I couldn’t be more pleased with the results. I’m seeing things I’ve not been able to see properly in years. Amazing!”
Verified patient on Doctify★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Ms. Sharmina Khan is an outstanding eye consultant. She took the time to listen attentively to my concerns and provided thoughtful, easy-to-understand explanations. Her depth of knowledge and ability to address my questions left me thoroughly satisfied with her services. I highly recommend Ms. Sharmina Khan to anyone seeking expert eye care and guidance.”
Verified patient on Doctify★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I had cataract surgery in both eyes. The procedure was painless, easy to understand, and swift. My anxiety levels were very low, and recovery was quick and easy. I was just so relaxed. My vision was like being Wonder Woman. It was so clear, and it was like someone had cleaned a window. Now, my vision is fine for reading, computer use, and using a sewing machine.”
Verified patient on Doctify★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Extremely happy with vision following cataract surgery. I wish I had it done sooner. The colors I am experiencing, I didn’t know existed. The experience was really good; it wasn’t much painful. I really enjoyed the sandwiches afterward. When I got home, I saw every little mark on the walls and now am cleaning up!”
Verified patient on Doctify★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“6/5. Incredibly impressed with Miss Khan’s bedside manner and operation and consultation. I have had the Synergy toric lens and have experienced a dramatic increase in distance vision. Now, I am able to read stuff on the television perfectly, and reading small print, I can now read the back of a tin of beans!”
Verified patient on Doctify★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“Miss Khan was very professional, and both my eyes had trifocal intra-ocular lens implants (toric in the left). The risks and benefits were explained to my satisfaction, and I was very nervous. However, the procedure and the recovery were painless. I now have perfect unaided vision in both eyes and would recommend Miss Khan, 10 out of 10.”
Verified patient on Doctify★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I’m so pleased I sought Sharmina Khan’s help. My dry eye problem was debilitating. I turned up to my appointment in a very worried state and left reassured. My eyes are now vastly better. I feel in good hands. Thank you!”
Verified patient on Doctify★ ★ ★ ★ ★
“I have had Lipiflow a few times now, and I couldn’t do without it because it really gets rid of my gritty and sore eyes for months at a time. Lipiflow has helped me go back to doing normal things without getting frustrated, like driving, tolerating air conditioning, generally tolerating different humidity levels, and not feeling like I need to use eye drops all the time. I would highly recommend it.”
Verified patient on DoctifyWe have replaced the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.
Sharmina Khan
MBBS(Lond) MSc FHEA FRCOphth DipCRS CertLRS, Consultant Eye Surgeon
Hi, I’m Sharmina Khan
I am a specialist Cataract & Lens Consultant Surgeon based in London at Moorfields Private Eye Hospital.
I have carried out over 7000+ cataract/lens procedures in the last 10 years across both my private and NHS practices.
In my private clinic I offer my clients bespoke Premium Cataract Care Pathways. There are options so that you can achieve your dreams of better vision and more, according to your lifestyle needs.
