Two-thirds of the UK Public are Completely Unaware of Most Early Signs of Cataracts such as Seeing ‘Halos’ around Lights and Sensitivity to Glare at Night

Specialist eye consultant and founder of London Ophthalmology Centre, Vik Sharma, is a leading mind in eye care in the UK and globally and has commissioned a National Eye Health Survey* to highlight the importance of regular check-ups, raise awareness of glaucoma, cataracts and other diseases that can impact vision and make the public aware of new and innovative solutions for eye care.

The extensive survey has highlighted the huge lack of awareness the UK public has for early signs of cataracts with two-thirds unaware of all symptoms apart from having clouded vision which is the most known symptoms.

There are many other symptoms which can be early signs of cataracts and Consultant Vik Sharma and the team at London Ophthalmology Centre are keen to raise awareness of these to the UK public and have outlined these below.

Early Signs of Cataracts Symptoms

Difficulty with vision at night – Only a third (33%) of the UK are aware that struggling with vision at night may be an early sign of cataracts.
Seeing ‘halos’ around lights – Even fewer (25%) of the public are aware that seeing halos around lights is a common symptom.
Fading or yellowing of colours – Seeing a change in colours either becoming less fibrant or yellowing is often a sign someone could be suffering from cataracts.
Heightened Sensitivity to light and glare – Only 23% of the UK public was aware that this is a common early-stage symptom of cataracts.
Double Vision in a single eye – Seeing double only in one eye (not both) is another sign that someone may have cataracts.
Frequent changes in eyeglasses or contact lens prescription – Only 15% of the public are aware that If someone has had to frequently change prescription it is often related to cataracts.

The vast majority (87%) of the UK public are also completely unaware they can have surgery as soon as they have any symptoms of cataracts and don’t need to wait to be referred by an optician or suffer for years with declining vision.

Consultant Vik Sharma, commented, “It is concerning to see how few people are aware of the different types of symptoms that can be early signs of cataracts. Being aware of all the symptoms means people will be aware they might be suffering much earlier and take control of when they decide to address the issue.

Far too often we see patients who have been struggling with their vision for far too long because of cataracts and they are completely unaware they could have had the quick procedure months or even years earlier. Many are also not told or don’t know about the different lens options available and that they can choose intraocular lenses (IOL) that give you perfect sight.”

The London Ophthalmology Centre (OC) is a world-leading eye care clinic and offers some of the latest innovative techniques that are exclusive to the clinic. All consultants hold Fellowships FRCOphth with the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. The centre was founded by Mr Sharma who is a surgeon to royalty and the trusted choice of professional colleagues including doctors, GPs and eye surgeons.