Cataracts (easy read)
Easy read factsheet which will help you to understand what a cataract is and how it can affect your vision.
![an eye](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img20_1.jpg?itok=QLdVNrEO)
Our eyes need to be healthy for us to see well.
Inside your eye is a lens which helps you to see.
![Cataract](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img17_4.jpg?itok=E9WEupyO)
Having a cloudy lens is called a cataract.
You can have a cataract in one eye or both eyes.
![Someone wearing glasses](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img18_4.jpg?itok=YYeR_vl_)
You can get a cataract at any age.
People often get a cataract when they get older.
It is important to get help for your cataract.
![Eye test](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img29.jpg?itok=VCkfzBl_)
Have a regular eye test. The person who does this is called an optician.
![A conversation](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img27_4.jpg?itok=lWQ6u1FY)
Tell someone if you are worried about your eyesight.
![A carer](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img26_1.jpg?itok=b4XVVFXN)
You can show this factsheet to your carers.
![Optician](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img31_1.jpg?itok=khl7uHEZ)
If you have problems with your eyesight, go to see your optician.
![Blurry vision](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img41_2.jpg?itok=cclHGPu1)
Your sight becomes blurred or unclear.
![Covering eyes](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img37.jpg?itok=XF6ME0JT)
It can be hard and uncomfortable to see in bright light.
![Blurry colors](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img34_5.jpg?itok=lvyF4HdR)
You might not be able to see colours very well.
![Blurred vision](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img42_2.jpg?itok=rD7tOeKH)
You might not be able to see people very well.
![Spilled drink](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img36_4.jpg?itok=NzTUL5mc)
You might bump into things or knock them over.
![Holding onto a rail](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img45.jpg?itok=H3Wdd9O0)
You might worry about tripping over or getting lost.
![A taxi](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img47_4.jpg?itok=7y3QmHgK)
It might be harder to do the things you enjoy like watching TV and going out.
![Cataract](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img17_5.jpg?itok=yI9pmNJy)
Cataracts do not get better on their own.
![Blurry vision](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img41_3.jpg?itok=krro6jNe)
If you don’t do anything, your cataract might get worse.
![Tablets](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img53_4.jpg?itok=WlvPVkEi)
There is no medicine that stops cataracts.
![Sunglasses](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img61_0.jpg?itok=6EJJoIlj)
If your cataract is new, glasses or sunglasses may help you see better.
![Hospital](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img62_1.jpg?itok=xLME9tzO)
Your optician may arrange an appointment for you at the hospital.
![Eye test](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img66_4.jpg?itok=HcTa-wEF)
At the hospital, they will do more checks about your eyes.
![Eye doctor](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img59_1.jpg?itok=UO6SjBG0)
You may need an operation to take out the cataract.
This will help you to see more clearly.
![Thinking](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img64_4.jpg?itok=daSi59IG)
If your eye doctor says you need an operation for cataracts, you can choose if you want this.
![A form](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_tile/public/2021-06/img94.jpg?itok=rSNv3p5C)
We have an easy read factsheet about cataract operations.
We have an easy read factsheet about making big decisions.