What is the first sign of cataracts?

Your eyes do so much for you—reading, driving, enjoying your favourite TV series. But when cataracts sneak in, they start to blur the lines, literally. Spotting the first signs can help you stay ahead of the game and keep your vision crystal clear.

So, what’s the earliest sign of cataracts?

Cloudy Vision: Your Vision’s SOS

The first and most obvious red flag is cloudy or blurry vision. It’s like trying to see the world through frosted glass. Fine print becomes fuzzy, faces look soft, and even your favourite Netflix subtitles seem out of reach.

This isn’t just “getting older.” It’s your eyes sending a distress signal. Pay attention!

Glare and Bright Lights

If sunlight feels like a spotlight and car headlights dazzle you more than they should, that could be another early warning. Cataracts scatter light, making bright conditions harsh and uncomfortable.

Colours Looking Washed Out?

Does your wardrobe look dull? Are the flowers in your garden losing their vibrance? Cataracts gradually steal the richness of colours, turning your world into shades of grey.

Double Vision? Just in One Eye?

This one’s tricky. Double vision in one eye is a quirky but telling sign of cataracts. The clouding lens bends and distorts light, creating overlapping images.

Glasses Just Aren’t Cutting It

When your new prescription doesn’t seem to fix your vision—or you’re needing updates more often—it’s time to consider whether cataracts are the culprit.

Why Do Cataracts Develop?

Cataracts are most often a result of ageing. By your 40s or 50s, the proteins in your eye lens start to break down. Eventually, they clump together, causing clouding.

But ageing isn’t the only factor. Other risks include:

Why Early Detection Is Key

Cataracts don’t get better on their own. Over time, they grow and worsen. Early detection allows for better management and reduces the intraoperative risk, i.e. makes the job easier for the surgeon and the chances of a better outcome for you.

At first, simple adjustments like stronger glasses or brighter lights can help. But surgery is the only permanent solution. Cataract surgery is quick, safe, and life-changing.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

You don’t have to live with blurry vision, glare, or faded colours. At Sharmina Khan Eye Clinic, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Book a free video assessment today and get professional advice tailored to you. Take control of your vision and rediscover the world in all its vibrant clarity.

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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 Doctify

We have replaced the images of real patients who provided these testimonials to protect their privacy.

Unlock your vision’s potential with our quick 2-minute quiz!

Embrace a world where glasses are a thing of the past and quickly discover if refractive lens exchange is the right choice for you. Uncover the possibilities of a life with crystal-clear vision, tailored to your unique needs.

Unlock Your Vision’s Potential with our quick 2-Minute quiz!

Embrace a world where glasses are a thing of the past and quickly discover if refractive lens exchange is the right choice for you. Uncover the possibilities of a life with crystal-clear vision, tailored to your unique needs.

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.