Cataracts: What You
Need to Know
Cataracts are the leading cause of treatable vision loss in Canada. The good news? They're easily detected during a routine eye exam — and modern surgery has a success rate above 95%. Here's everything you should know.
What Are Cataracts?
A cataract forms when the natural lens inside your eye gradually becomes cloudy. Think of it like looking through a foggy window — colours look faded, lights seem to have halos, and everything slowly loses its sharpness.
How Cataracts Develop
The lens of your eye is made mostly of water and protein. As you age, some of that protein starts to clump together and cloud a small area of the lens. Over time, the cloudy area grows larger and makes it harder to see.
This process is gradual — most people don't notice changes for years. That's exactly why regular eye exams are so important. Your optometrist can detect cataracts long before they start affecting your daily life.
While age is the most common cause, cataracts can also develop from diabetes, certain medications like corticosteroids, UV exposure, and eye injuries.
Cataracts in Canada — By the Numbers
Canadians are affected by cataracts
Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB)
Of people over 65 will develop cataracts
National Eye Institute (NEI)
Surgery success rate — most patients see better the next day
Canadian Ophthalmological Society
How to Know If You Have Cataracts
Cataracts develop slowly. Many people live with early cataracts without realizing it. Here are the common symptoms and risk factors to watch for.
Blurry or Hazy Vision
Things look cloudy or foggy, like looking through a dirty windshield. Reading and driving become more difficult.
Sensitivity to Light
Bright lights and glare become uncomfortable. Oncoming headlights at night can be especially bothersome.
Fading Colours
Colours look washed out or yellowed. You might not notice this gradually — comparing old photos can reveal the change.
Poor Night Vision
Difficulty seeing in low light, halos around streetlights and lamps. Night driving becomes increasingly challenging.
Frequent Prescription Changes
If your glasses prescription seems to change every visit, cataracts could be the reason. The clouding lens shifts your focus.
Double Vision
Seeing two images from one eye (monocular diplopia) is a less common but telling sign of cataracts.
Alberta Health Coverage
Annual eye exams for seniors 65+ and children under 19 are fully covered by Alberta Health Care — no referral needed. Cataract surgery is also covered by Alberta Health when recommended by your eye care provider. Book your eye exam at Charm Optical.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Some factors increase your chances of developing cataracts. The more risk factors you have, the more important regular screening becomes.
Risk multiplier relative to general population — sources: National Eye Institute, Canadian Ophthalmological Society
How Are Cataracts Treated?
Treatment depends on how much cataracts are affecting your daily life. In many cases, you won't need surgery right away — and there are steps you can take to manage symptoms in the meantime.
Early Stage — Updated Prescription
When cataracts are mild, a stronger glasses or contact lens prescription and better lighting can help you see comfortably. Anti-glare coatings on your lenses can also reduce halos and glare. We can fit you with the right lenses at Charm Optical.
Advanced Stage — Cataract Surgery
When cataracts begin to interfere with driving, reading, or daily activities, your optometrist will refer you to an ophthalmologist for surgery. The procedure takes about 15–20 minutes per eye, is done under local anaesthetic, and most people notice improved vision within a day or two. It's one of the safest and most commonly performed surgeries in Canada.
Your Optometrist's Role
At Charm Optical, our optometrist monitors your cataracts over time and determines when the right time for a referral is. We co-manage your care before and after surgery — so you always have a local eye doctor in your corner. Learn about our services.
How to Protect Your Eyes
While you can't completely prevent cataracts, you can reduce your risk and slow their progression with a few simple habits.
- Wear sunglasses with UV protection — Look for 100% UV-blocking lenses. We carry prescription sunglasses from Ray-Ban, Maui Jim, and Oakley.
- Manage diabetes and blood pressure — Keeping these under control significantly reduces your cataract risk.
- Quit smoking — Smokers are 2–3 times more likely to develop cataracts. Quitting at any age helps.
- Eat a nutrient-rich diet — Leafy greens, colourful fruits, nuts, and fish rich in omega-3s support lens health.
- Get regular eye exams — The only way to catch cataracts early is through a comprehensive eye exam.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cataracts
What happens when it's time for cataract surgery — will I be referred to a specialist?
Yes. When your cataracts have progressed to the point where they're affecting your daily life, our optometrist will refer you to an ophthalmologist — a specialist with the surgical training and equipment to perform the procedure. Our role is to monitor your cataracts over time, determine the right moment for referral, and provide your post-operative follow-up care. The specialist clinic will evaluate your case and perform the surgery.
How long is the wait to see the cataract surgeon after a referral?
We want to be honest with you — we cannot guarantee when the specialist will reach out, as wait times are managed entirely by the specialist clinic. Here's what to generally expect:
- Urgent or rapidly progressing cases: approximately 2 months
- Non-urgent or early-stage cases: up to 5–8 months waiting time
Contacting us at Charm Optical will not speed up your position in the specialist's queue. If you'd like to follow up on your referral, you'll need to contact the specialist clinic directly. Give us a call at (780) 490-0090 and we'll provide you with the name and contact information of the clinic handling your case.
At what age should I start worrying about cataracts?
Cataracts can start forming as early as your 40s, though they usually don't affect vision until your 60s or 70s. That said, people with diabetes, a history of steroid use, or significant UV exposure may develop them earlier. Annual eye exams at Charm Optical can catch them at the earliest stage.
Is cataract surgery covered in Alberta?
Yes. Standard cataract surgery is fully covered by Alberta Health Care. If you opt for premium intraocular lenses (multifocal, toric), there may be an additional out-of-pocket cost — your ophthalmologist will discuss options with you. The initial eye exam and referral through your optometrist are covered for seniors 65+ and for anyone with a medical indication.
Can cataracts come back after surgery?
No — once the cloudy lens is removed and replaced, cataracts cannot return. However, some people develop a condition called posterior capsule opacification (PCO) months or years later, where the membrane behind the new lens becomes hazy. This is easily treated with a quick laser procedure called YAG capsulotomy, which takes about 5 minutes.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for cataract surgery?
Your ophthalmologist will provide specific instructions. Generally, you'll need someone to drive you to and from the procedure, and you may be asked to stop certain medications beforehand. After surgery, you'll use prescribed eye drops for a few weeks. Your optometrist at Charm Optical can handle your post-surgical follow-up exams.
How does Charm Optical help with cataracts?
We screen for cataracts during every comprehensive eye exam. If we detect them, we monitor their progression and advise you on the best timing for a surgical referral. After surgery, we provide post-operative care and help you with your updated glasses prescription. Think of us as your local eye care home base — book an exam online or call us at (780) 490-0090.
Concerned About Cataracts?
The best thing you can do is stay on top of your eye exams. At Charm Optical, our optometrist screens for cataracts during every visit — and we'll keep an eye on your eye health over time. Book your exam online in 30 seconds.
Book Your Eye Exam OnlineLast updated: March 2026