Mature or advanced cataracts means that your cataracts have developed to the point that your lens appears to be mostly opaque and makes things difficult to see. When you have mature or advanced cataracts you will usually require surgery.

People start to develop cataracts as early in their 40s, but generally don’t start to notice symptoms of their cataracts until their 60s.

No, but you can manage some of the early symptoms of cataracts with new prescription glasses or contact lenses, and by wearing sunglasses to counteract light sensitivity until it’s time to have surgery.

Usually, you only need to have cataract surgery when your cataracts start to affect your everyday vision. If you’re having trouble reading, watching TV, or driving, it’s time to talk to your eye care provider about next steps.

Modern cataract surgery is performed as day case surgery and takes 20-25 minutes.

Your eye may feel a little sore after surgery. Some patients feel no discomfort at all. Cataract surgery is not a painful operation and most patients will not experience any major discomfort.

The day after your cataract surgery most patients will be able to return to all normal activities except swimming.

In a minority of cases (perhaps 20 to 30 percent), months or years after cataract surgery, the posterior portion of the lens capsule that is left inside the eye during surgery for safety reasons becomes hazy, causing vision to again become blurred.

This „secondary cataract” (also called posterior capsular opacification) usually can be easily treated with a less invasive follow-up procedure called a YAG laser capsulotomy. In most cases, this 15-minute procedure effectively restores clear vision.

Mascara and makeup around the eyes should be avoided for a 10 days after cataract surgery. It may be advisable use disposable mascara brushes or even start with a new bottle of mascara to avoid risk of infection.