Cataract Symptoms: When to See an Ophthalmologist

Cataracts are one of the most common eye conditions, predominantly diagnosed in people over 50, though they can develop at any age. The disease involves clouding of the eye's natural lens — a transparent structure that focuses light onto the retina. The clouding gradually reduces visual acuity and, without treatment, can lead to blindness.

Cataracts develop gradually, so early-stage symptoms may be barely noticeable. It's important to recognize the warning signs so you can seek ophthalmological care in time.

• Cloudy or blurry vision that glasses cannot correct
• Increased sensitivity to bright light (photophobia), especially from car headlights at night
• Double vision in one eye
• Seeing halos or rings around light sources
• Faded or yellowed color perception, reduced contrast
• Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription due to worsening vision
• Difficulty reading, even in bright lighting

Ophthalmologists distinguish several stages of cataract development: incipient, immature, mature, and hypermature. In the incipient stage, clouding affects the lens periphery and barely impacts vision. In the immature stage, clouding spreads toward the center and vision noticeably declines. A mature cataract means total lens opacity and severe vision loss. Hypermature cataracts are the most dangerous stage and can lead to glaucoma and complete blindness.

Don't wait until your vision deteriorates significantly. We recommend seeing an ophthalmologist as soon as you notice any of the symptoms listed above. Early diagnosis allows the stage of the disease to be determined, treatment to be planned, and complications to be avoided.

• Your vision has worsened for no apparent reason
• Glasses or contact lenses no longer help
• You have difficulty driving, especially at night
• Reading or fine work has become significantly harder
• You notice a white or grey clouding in your pupil

Unfortunately, no eye drops or medications can reverse lens clouding. The only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery — phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia and takes only 15–20 minutes. Patients typically experience significant vision improvement as early as the next day.

At Kyiv City Clinical Hospital #4, cataract surgery is performed free of charge under the medical guarantees program. Ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon Iryna Hetman has completed over 500 successful surgeries and is ready to help you restore your vision.

Article Author

Iryna Hetman

Ophthalmologist, Cataract Surgeon · Kyiv Hospital #4

• 200+ successful surgeries
• Member of ESCRS and USCRS