How Long Does It Take to Go Blind from Cataracts?

Cataracts—the clouding of the eye's natural lens—are a common eye condition affecting millions of people across the UK, particularly those over 65. As one of the leading causes of treatable vision loss, cataracts develop gradually, causing progressive deterioration in vision that can eventually lead to blindness if left untreated. Many patients and their families are concerned about the timeline of vision loss and often ask: "How long does it take to go blind from cataracts?"

While cataracts can indeed cause blindness, the progression varies significantly from person to person, and with today's advanced medical treatments available through both the NHS and private healthcare providers, complete blindness from cataracts is largely preventable. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the typical progression of cataracts, factors that influence their development, and when to seek treatment before significant vision loss occurs.

Early Stage (1-2 years)

During the initial development of cataracts, many people experience subtle changes that may not immediately signal a problem:

• Slightly blurred vision that comes and goes
• Mild difficulty with night driving due to increased glare from headlights
• A slight yellowing or browning of vision
• Occasional need to change glasses or contact lens prescriptions

At this stage, many people don't realise they have cataracts, often attributing these changes to normal ageing or needing an updated prescription.

Moderate Stage (2-5 years)

As cataracts continue to develop:

• Vision becomes noticeably cloudy or blurry even with corrective lenses
• Colours appear faded or yellowed
• Reading becomes more difficult, requiring stronger light
• Glare sensitivity increases significantly
• Night vision deteriorates markedly
• Halos appear around lights

During this stage, daily activities like driving, reading, or recognising faces may become challenging, prompting most people to seek medical advice.

Advanced Stage (5-10+ years)

Without treatment, cataracts will continue to progress until they significantly impact quality of life:

• Vision becomes very cloudy or milky
• Severe difficulty seeing in low light conditions
• Profound colour distortion
• Difficulty recognising faces or navigating familiar environments
• Potential development of double vision in the affected eye

Potential Blindness (10+ years)

If cataracts remain untreated into their advanced stages:

• Vision may deteriorate to the point where only light and shadows can be perceived
• Legal blindness can occur (visual acuity worse than 3/60 in the better eye)
• Complete blindness is possible in very advanced cases, though rare in developed countries like the UK where treatment is accessible

It's important to note that the timeline from initial cataract development to potential blindness typically spans at least a decade, and often much longer. Most people seek and receive treatment long before reaching the advanced stages of vision loss.

Age

Age-related cataracts typically progress slowly over years. However:

• Congenital cataracts (present at birth) can cause rapid vision loss in infants if not treated promptly
• Cataracts that develop before age 60 may progress more quickly than those that develop later in life

Type of Cataract

Different types of cataracts progress at different rates:

• Nuclear cataracts (affecting the central part of the lens) typically develop slowly over many years
• Cortical cataracts (affecting the edges of the lens) can progress more rapidly
• Posterior subcapsular cataracts (affecting the back of the lens) often progress relatively quickly, sometimes within months of onset

Underlying Health Conditions

Certain health conditions can accelerate cataract development:

• Diabetes can significantly speed up cataract progression, sometimes doubling the rate
• Hypertension may increase the risk of faster-developing cataracts
• Severe myopia (short-sightedness) is associated with earlier onset and faster progression

Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

External factors that may influence cataract progression include:

• Prolonged exposure to UV light without protection
• Smoking (can accelerate cataract development by up to 3 times)
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Long-term use of corticosteroid medications
• Previous eye trauma or surgery

It's advisable to consult an eye care professional if you notice:

• Increasing difficulty with daily activities due to vision problems
• Vision changes that glasses or contact lenses no longer correct
• Significant glare sensitivity that affects night driving
• Progressive dimming or yellowing of colours
• Double vision in one eye

In the UK, regular eye examinations are recommended every two years, or more frequently for those over 60 or with risk factors for eye disease. These regular check-ups can detect cataracts before they significantly impact vision.

NHS Treatment

The NHS provides cataract surgery, but there are considerations regarding timing:

• Referral criteria: The NHS typically provides surgery when cataracts significantly affect quality of life or daily activities
• Waiting times: Current NHS waiting times for cataract surgery range from 4-12 months depending on your location
• Second eye surgery: If you need both eyes treated, there may be an additional wait for your second eye

Private Treatment Options

For those concerned about cataract progression and NHS waiting times, private treatment offers advantages:

• Shorter waiting times: Typically 2-4 weeks from consultation to surgery
• Earlier intervention: Private providers may offer surgery at earlier stages of cataract development
• Choice of lens options: Premium lens options not always available on the NHS
• Convenience: Choose your surgeon, hospital, and appointment times