This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. Always consult a licensed clinician about your own health.
Overview
A cataract is clouding of the eye's natural lens, blurring vision like looking through a fogged window. It develops slowly, usually with age, and is the most common cause of treatable blindness in Nigeria. A short, safe operation replaces the cloudy lens and restores sight — no drops or drugs can clear an established cataract.
Symptoms
Gradually blurring or dimming vision
Glare and difficulty with bright sunlight or night driving
Colours appearing faded or yellowed
Frequent changes in glasses prescription
A whitish appearance in the pupil (advanced)
Double vision in one eye
Causes & risk factors
Ageing of the lens
Diabetes
Long-term sunlight exposure
Eye injury or inflammation
Smoking and long-term steroid use
Treatment & self-care
Early on, updated glasses and good lighting help; when vision interferes with daily life, a surgeon removes the cloudy lens and implants a clear artificial one — typically a day procedure with quick recovery. Surgery is the only effective treatment. Untreated advanced cataract in children needs especially urgent referral.
See a doctor urgently if
Blurring that interferes with work, reading or recognising faces
A white spot visible in the pupil — urgently in a child
Sudden vision change, pain or redness
Diabetes with any visual blurring
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of Cataract?
Early signs often include gradually blurring or dimming vision, glare and difficulty with bright sunlight or night driving, colours appearing faded or yellowed. Symptoms vary from person to person, so a proper assessment by a doctor is the only way to be sure.
Can Cataract be treated?
Early on, updated glasses and good lighting help; when vision interferes with daily life, a surgeon removes the cloudy lens and implants a clear artificial one — typically a day procedure with quick recovery. Surgery is the only effective treatment. Untreated advanced cataract in children needs especially urgent referral.
When should I see a doctor about Cataract?
See a doctor promptly if you notice: blurring that interferes with work, reading or recognising faces; a white spot visible in the pupil — urgently in a child; sudden vision change, pain or redness; diabetes with any visual blurring.