{"id":4545,"date":"2026-11-02T15:26:49","date_gmt":"2026-11-02T15:26:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/?p=4545"},"modified":"2026-11-02T15:26:49","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T15:26:49","slug":"cataract-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/perdja-e-syrit\/","title":{"rendered":"Cataracts: symptoms, causes and when to have surgery"},"content":{"rendered":"<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In brief:<\/strong> \u201cCataract\u201d is the medical term for a cloudy natural lens in the eye, which gradually becomes opaque. Early symptoms include blurred vision, faded colors, and glare from lights. Cataracts cannot be removed with eye drops, glasses, or exercises. The solution is surgery, recommended when vision starts to interfere with daily life \u2014 there\u2019s no need to wait for the cataract to \u201cmature.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are cataracts?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The natural lens is located behind the iris (the colored part of the eye). When clear, it focuses light onto the retina, allowing us to see clearly. A cataract develops when this lens loses its transparency. Light no longer passes through clearly, and the view looks as if seen through foggy glass.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Katarakti-eshte-nje-nga-problemet-me-te-zakonshme-te-syrit-dhe-zakonisht-zhvillohet-gradualisht-1-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Cataracts: a normal lens compared with a lens with a cataract\" class=\"wp-image-4333\" style=\"width:420px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Katarakti-eshte-nje-nga-problemet-me-te-zakonshme-te-syrit-dhe-zakonisht-zhvillohet-gradualisht-1-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Katarakti-eshte-nje-nga-problemet-me-te-zakonshme-te-syrit-dhe-zakonisht-zhvillohet-gradualisht-1-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Katarakti-eshte-nje-nga-problemet-me-te-zakonshme-te-syrit-dhe-zakonisht-zhvillohet-gradualisht-1-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Katarakti-eshte-nje-nga-problemet-me-te-zakonshme-te-syrit-dhe-zakonisht-zhvillohet-gradualisht-1-10x12.jpg 10w, https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Katarakti-eshte-nje-nga-problemet-me-te-zakonshme-te-syrit-dhe-zakonisht-zhvillohet-gradualisht-1.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A normal lens and a lens with a cataract. Infographic by Indian Eye Institute &amp; Laser Center.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cataracts usually develop slowly, over months or years, and can affect one or both eyes. Often, one eye worsens faster than the other, so the change may not be noticed right away. Cataracts become very common with age. According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nei.nih.gov\/learn-about-eye-health\/eye-conditions-and-diseases\/cataracts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Eye Institute (NEI)<\/a>, more than half of people aged 80 and older have cataracts or have had surgery to remove them.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the symptoms of cataracts?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first signs often appear while reading or driving at night. The most common symptoms are:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>blurred, cloudy, or dim vision;<\/li>\n\n<li>glare: sunlight and car headlights seem brighter than before;<\/li>\n\n<li>halos around lights;<\/li>\n\n<li>difficulty seeing at night or in low light;<\/li>\n\n<li>colors appear faded or yellowish;<\/li>\n\n<li>needing more light to read;<\/li>\n\n<li>frequent changes to your glasses prescription;<\/li>\n\n<li>double vision in one eye.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These signs can also be caused by other eye conditions, such as glaucoma or <a href=\"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/retinal-diseases\/\">retinal problems<\/a>. Only a comprehensive eye exam can show whether cataracts or something else is causing them.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What causes cataracts?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most common cause is age: over time, the proteins in the lens change, making it cloudy. Cataracts may appear earlier or progress faster with:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>diabetes;<\/li>\n\n<li>smoking;<\/li>\n\n<li>heavy alcohol consumption;<\/li>\n\n<li>a family history of cataracts;<\/li>\n\n<li>prolonged exposure to sunlight without protective eyewear;<\/li>\n\n<li>long-term use of corticosteroids (eye drops, tablets, or sprays);<\/li>\n\n<li>a blow to or injury of the eye;<\/li>\n\n<li>previous eye surgery;<\/li>\n\n<li>other eye conditions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Katarakti-eshte-nje-nga-problemet-me-te-zakonshme-te-syrit-dhe-zakonisht-zhvillohet-gradualisht-2-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Risk factors for cataracts: age, diabetes, eye trauma, UV rays, and certain medications\" class=\"wp-image-4334\" style=\"width:420px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Katarakti-eshte-nje-nga-problemet-me-te-zakonshme-te-syrit-dhe-zakonisht-zhvillohet-gradualisht-2-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Katarakti-eshte-nje-nga-problemet-me-te-zakonshme-te-syrit-dhe-zakonisht-zhvillohet-gradualisht-2-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Katarakti-eshte-nje-nga-problemet-me-te-zakonshme-te-syrit-dhe-zakonisht-zhvillohet-gradualisht-2-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Katarakti-eshte-nje-nga-problemet-me-te-zakonshme-te-syrit-dhe-zakonisht-zhvillohet-gradualisht-2-10x12.jpg 10w, https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Katarakti-eshte-nje-nga-problemet-me-te-zakonshme-te-syrit-dhe-zakonisht-zhvillohet-gradualisht-2.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Key risk factors. Infographic by Indian Eye Institute &amp; Laser Center.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Congenital cataracts can also occur in babies and children. If parents notice a white pupil or that their child does not fix their gaze, they should see an eye doctor without delay.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can cataracts be removed with eye drops, glasses, or exercises?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. There are no eye drops, medicines, vitamins, or exercises that can make the lens clear again. In the early stages, new glasses, better lighting for reading, and sunglasses may make life easier for a while. As the cataract gets denser, the solution is cataract surgery, in which the cloudy lens is removed and replaced with an artificial lens.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many people ask whether cataracts can be removed with a laser. Laser vision correction (LASIK, SMILE Pro) does not remove cataracts; we explain this in detail in our article on <a href=\"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/cataract-laser\/\">whether cataracts can be removed with a laser<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When should cataracts be operated on?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It used to be said that cataracts had to \u201cmature\u201d before surgery. That is no longer the case. Surgery is recommended when worsening vision starts to interfere with your daily life: reading, working, driving at night, or staying independent. Someone who drives every day or works with fine details may feel the need for surgery sooner than someone else.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your ophthalmologist will consider:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>how well you can see with each eye;<\/li>\n\n<li>how much bright lights bother you;<\/li>\n\n<li>the health of your cornea, retina, and optic nerve;<\/li>\n\n<li>your work, activities, and expectations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Surgery may also be recommended if the cataract prevents your doctor from seeing or treating another condition, such as a retinal disease or glaucoma.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How is it diagnosed?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A cataract examination is quick and painless. It includes a vision test, an eye examination with a slit lamp, and a measurement of your eye pressure. Your pupils are usually dilated with eye drops so the doctor can examine your retina. If surgery is planned, special measurements (biometry) are taken to determine the power of the artificial lens to be implanted.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you haven\u2019t had an eye exam in a while, see <a href=\"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/how-often-eye-exam\/\">how often you should have an eye test<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"730\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/ChatGPT-Image-Aug-28-2026-10_52_57-PM-730x1024.png\" alt=\"Biometry: measuring the eye with an optical device before cataract surgery\" class=\"wp-image-4205\" style=\"width:420px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/ChatGPT-Image-Aug-28-2026-10_52_57-PM-730x1024.png 730w, https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/ChatGPT-Image-Aug-28-2026-10_52_57-PM-214x300.png 214w, https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/ChatGPT-Image-Aug-28-2026-10_52_57-PM-768x1078.png 768w, https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/ChatGPT-Image-Aug-28-2026-10_52_57-PM-9x12.png 9w, https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/ChatGPT-Image-Aug-28-2026-10_52_57-PM.png 1059w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 730px) 100vw, 730px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How the surgery is performed \u2014 a brief overview<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cataract surgery is usually performed as a day procedure under local anesthesia, and you go home the same day. Through a very small incision, the surgeon removes the cloudy lens and inserts an artificial lens. A typical procedure takes around 15\u201320 minutes. According to the NEI, cataract surgery is very safe, and 9 out of 10 people see better afterward. How much each patient\u2019s vision improves also depends on the health of the retina and optic nerve.<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"556\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Untitled-design-2026-08-28T143436.235-556x1024.png\" alt=\"Cataract surgery: the surgeon works under a microscope, with the image of the eye shown on a screen\" class=\"wp-image-3895\" style=\"width:420px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Untitled-design-2026-08-28T143436.235-556x1024.png 556w, https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Untitled-design-2026-08-28T143436.235-163x300.png 163w, https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Untitled-design-2026-08-28T143436.235-768x1415.png 768w, https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Untitled-design-2026-08-28T143436.235-833x1536.png 833w, https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Untitled-design-2026-08-28T143436.235-7x12.png 7w, https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Untitled-design-2026-08-28T143436.235.png 924w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 556px) 100vw, 556px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You and your doctor will choose the lens together. Monofocal lenses provide clear vision mainly at one distance. <a href=\"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/multifocal-lens-surgery\/\">Multifocal lenses<\/a> are designed to reduce the need for glasses at multiple distances, but they aren\u2019t suitable for every patient. Find out about every step, from the exam to follow-up appointments, on our page about <a href=\"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/cataract-surgery\/\">cataract surgery in Tirana<\/a>. The clinic also has a video about <a href=\"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/patient-guide\/zevendesimi-i-lentes-se-syrit\/\">lens replacement surgery<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When should you get in touch immediately after surgery?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your vision improves gradually, and mild irritation during the first few days is common. Contact the clinic immediately if you experience:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>severe pain;<\/li>\n\n<li>a sudden loss of vision;<\/li>\n\n<li>increasing redness;<\/li>\n\n<li>discharge from the eye;<\/li>\n\n<li>many new floaters or flashes of light;<\/li>\n\n<li>a curtain-like shadow moving across your field of vision.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can cataracts come back after surgery?<\/h3>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The removed lens does not grow back. Months or years later, the membrane that holds the artificial lens may become cloudy. This is sometimes called a \u201csecondary cataract.\u201d It is not a new cataract and is usually treated with a short laser procedure at the clinic.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Are both eyes operated on at the same time?<\/h3>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Usually, the eyes are operated on different days so the first eye can heal and be checked before the second is treated. The surgeon makes this decision for each patient.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is cataract surgery painful?<\/h3>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your eye is numbed with local anesthesia. During the procedure, you may feel some pressure or see lights, but you should not feel pain.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How soon can I read or drive?<\/h3>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This depends on your recovery and on your other eye. After your initial follow-up appointments, your surgeon will tell you when you can resume driving, work, and sports.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sources<\/h2>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nei.nih.gov\/learn-about-eye-health\/eye-conditions-and-diseases\/cataracts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Eye Institute (NEI) \u2014 Cataracts<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aao.org\/eye-health\/diseases\/what-are-cataracts\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">American Academy of Ophthalmology \u2014 What Are Cataracts?<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aao.org\/eye-health\/diseases\/cataracts-symptoms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">American Academy of Ophthalmology \u2014 Cataract Symptoms<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/cataracts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NHS \u2014 Cataracts<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/cataract-surgery\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NHS \u2014 Cataract surgery<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Noticing signs of cataracts?<\/strong> Book an eye exam at <a href=\"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/best-eye-clinic-tirana\/\">Indian Eye Institute &amp; Laser Center in Tirana<\/a>. The examination will show whether cataracts are the cause and when the time is right for surgery. <a href=\"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/contact\/\">Book an appointment<\/a> \u00b7 Tel. <a href=\"tel:+355675030017\">+355 67 503 0017<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Cataracts: early symptoms, causes, why eye drops and glasses won\u2019t remove them, and when to have surgery.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3906,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4545","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-problematika"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4545","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4545"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4545\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4549,"href":"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4545\/revisions\/4549"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3906"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4545"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4545"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4545"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}