Surgery – What happens if cataracts are left untreated?

If cataracts are left untreated, vision will gradually worsen and can eventually lead to blindness. Age-related cataracts occur when proteins in the eye’s natural lens break down and accumulate, causing clouding that reduces clarity over time. This process may be slow, and early symptoms can be subtle, but without surgery, vision will continue to deteriorate. Cataract surgery is a safe, quick, and painless procedure widely available on the NHS, and it is the only effective way to restore clear vision once cataracts affect your eyesight.