Can Cataracts Cause Dizziness? What You Should Know

Cataracts are a common eye condition that can make your vision blurry over time. But can cataracts cause dizziness? Many people with cataract symptoms say they sometimes feel off balance or dizzy.

In this article, we’ll explore how cataracts affect vision and if they can lead to dizziness. You’ll also learn about symptoms, treatment options, and ways to improve your balance.

How Cataracts Affect Vision And Balance

Cataracts change the way you see the world. This can sometimes lead to dizziness, feeling off balance, or even trouble walking normally.

Let’s explore how exactly cataracts impact your vision and balance in different ways.

Vision Impairment And Depth Perception Issues

One of the biggest ways cataracts can cause dizziness is by affecting depth perception. Depth perception is part of your spatial awareness which helps you judge distances—like how far away a step is or where the edge of a curb begins.

When you have clouded vision, your brain may struggle to tell how close or far objects are. This can make walking, climbing stairs, or driving more challenging. You might feel unsure of your steps, which could cause you to feel off-balance or unsteady.

Double Vision And Visual Distortions

Cataracts can sometimes cause double vision in one eye. This means that you may see two overlapping images instead of seeing one clear image. This can make it hard to focus and confuse your brain when judging your surroundings.

If your brain receives mixed signals from your eyes, you may feel disoriented, lightheaded, or dizzy. Visual distortions can also make it harder to walk straight, read signs, or recognise faces.

Poor Vision In Low-Light Conditions

Cataracts can also make it difficult to see in dim lighting. Many older adults with cataracts struggle to see at night, making it more dangerous to move around in low-light conditions.

Without clear vision, it’s easier to misjudge steps, bump into furniture, or feel unsure of your footing. This can lead to dizziness, balance problems, or even falls.

The Role Of The Inner Ear In Balance

Did you know your ears help with balance, too? Your inner ear works with your eyes and brain to keep you steady. If your vision becomes unclear, your brain relies more on your inner ear to sense movement and direction.

For some people, this sudden shift can be overwhelming. Your body needs time to adjust, which can cause dizziness in rare cases. If you’ve been feeling off balance, it’s important to talk to an eye doctor. They can help you understand whether your cataracts are affecting your stability.

How To Manage Dizziness Caused By Cataracts

Feeling dizzy or unsteady due to cataracts can make daily activities more difficult. But the good news is that there are ways to manage these symptoms and improve your confidence.

Let’s explore some practical ways to manage dizziness caused by cataracts.

Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye exams are one of the best ways to detect cataracts early and prevent vision loss. An eye doctor can look at changes in your vision and recommend ways to improve clarity and balance. They may suggest new glasses, contact lenses, or other treatments to help reduce dizziness.

Wearing The Right Eyewear

Wearing the right glasses or contact lenses can make a big difference if you have early-stage cataracts. Prescription glasses, contact or multifocal lenses can sharpen your vision and reduce dizziness. When your vision is clearer, your brain doesn’t have to work as hard to keep you steady.

Adjusting To Vision Changes

If you’ve recently started wearing glasses or contact lenses, your eyes may need time to adjust. You may experience temporary dizziness as your brain learns to process new visual information. Moving slowly and giving yourself time to adapt can help make the transition smoother.

Protecting Your Eyes From Light Sensitivity

You might become more sensitive to bright lights, which can worsen dizziness. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection can help reduce glare and visual impairment. Sunglasses also protect your eyes from harsh sunlight, bright indoor lights, and reflections, all of which can contribute to dizziness.

Staying Physically Active

Good physical health can improve balance and coordination. Activities like walking and yoga can strengthen your muscles and improve your ability to stay steady. Regular movement also helps your brain and body work together to maintain balance. If you feel unsteady, try gentle exercises first and gradually build up your strength.

By making these small changes, you can improve your vision, reduce dizziness, and feel more confident in your daily life. If dizziness or balance issues persist, speaking with an eye doctor can help you find the best possible solution for your needs.

The Cataract Surgery Process

Cataract surgery is a quick procedure that usually takes about 15–20 minutes per eye. Here’s what happens during surgery:

1. Numbing The Eye: Your eye doctor will apply numbing eye drops to ensure comfort. A mild sedative may also be given to help you stay relaxed.
2. Removing The Cloudy Lens: A tiny incision is made, and an ultrasound probe is used to break up and remove the cloudy lens.
3. Placing The New Lens: A clear artificial lens (IOL) is inserted into your eye to restore focus and clarity.
4. Quick Recovery: The incision heals naturally, and no stitches are usually needed. You can go home the same day but need someone to drive you.

You should notice clearer vision within a few days after having cataracts treated, with full recovery typically taking a few weeks.

Types Of Intraocular Lenses

During cataract surgery, the eye’s natural lens is replaced with an intraocular lens (IOL). Different types of IOLs are designed to address specific vision needs. Your eye doctor will help determine which option is best for you.

Monofocal IOLs

Monofocal lenses provide sharp vision at a single distance—either near, intermediate or far. Most people choose to have clear distance vision, meaning they’ll still need reading glasses for close-up tasks.

Multifocal IOLs

Multifocal lenses allow you to see at different distances (near, intermediate, and far) without needing glasses as often. These lenses work similarly to progressive glasses but may take time for your brain to adjust to them.

Accommodative IOLs

Accommodative lenses shift focus naturally as your eye muscles move, providing a range of vision from near to far. While they don’t fully restore the eye’s natural focusing ability, they can reduce the need for glasses more than monofocal lenses.

Choosing The Right IOL

Your choice of IOL depends on factors like:

• Your Lifestyle: Do you read often, use computers, or drive at night?
• Your Vision Goals: Do you prefer sharp distance vision or reduced dependence on glasses?
• Your Eye Health: Some conditions may affect which lens is suitable.

Talking to your eye doctor can help you decide on the best lens option based on your needs and daily activities.

Cataract Surgery Recovery

Recovering from cataract surgery is usually quick and smooth. Most people notice clearer vision within a few days, but full healing can take a few weeks. Following your doctor’s instructions can help your eyes heal properly and enjoy the best results.

Here’s what to expect after cataract surgery and how to care for your eyes during recovery.

What To Expect After Surgery

Once your cataract surgery is done, you’ll rest for a short time before heading home. Since your vision may be blurry at first, you’ll need someone to drive you. In the first few days after surgery, you may notice:

• Mild Discomfort: Your eye may feel scratchy, sore, or sensitive, but this should improve quickly.
• Impaired Vision: Your eyesight may seem foggy or distorted as your brain adjusts to the new intraocular lens (IOL).
• Light Sensitivity: Your eyes may be more sensitive to bright light.
• Dry Or Watery Eyes: Some people experience dry eyes, while others have more tears than usual.

Most people can return to normal activities within a few days, but you must be gentle with your eyes while they heal.

Tips For A Smooth Recovery

Taking good care of your eyes after surgery can help speed up recovery and prevent problems. Here are some important tips:

• Use Your Eye Drops: These help prevent infection and reduce swelling. Follow your doctor’s instructions on when and how to use them.
• Protect Your Eyes: Wear the protective shield at night and avoid rubbing or pressing on your eye.
• Take It Easy: Avoid heavy lifting, bending over, or intense exercise for at least a week or two.
• Keep Your Eyes Clean: Try to keep soap, water, and dust out of your eyes while they heal.
• Rest Your Eyes: Avoid too much screen time in the first few days to help your eyes adjust.

When To Call Your Eye Doctor

You should recover well, but contact your doctor if you notice:

• Severe pain or redness
• Sudden vision loss
• Flashes of light or floaters
• Swelling or unusual discharge

Long-Term Vision After Cataract Surgery

Once your eye has healed, you’ll notice that colours look brighter and your vision is sharper. Depending on their IOL type, some people may still need glasses for reading or certain tasks.

Attending your follow-up appointments will help your doctor track your eye health and ensure you are healing well. With proper care, cataract surgery can help you see the world more clearly again!

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes cataracts to develop?

Cataracts usually happen as you age, but other things can cause them, too. You might get cataracts if:

• Other family members had them (genetics).
• You spend a lot of time in the sun without eye protection.
• You smoke or drink alcohol often.
• You have diabetes or other health problems.
• You had an eye injury or surgery before.
• You take steroid medicines for a long time.

Is dizziness common after cataract surgery?

Yes, you might feel a little dizzy after cataract surgery. This happens because your eyes and brain need time to adjust to your new vision. The dizziness usually goes away in a few days.

When should I consider cataract surgery?

If cataracts make it hard to do daily things like reading, driving, or recognising faces, it may be time for surgery. Your eye doctor will check your eyes and let you know if surgery is best for you.

Will I feel the new lens in my eye?

No, you shouldn’t feel the intraocular lens as it sits inside your eye and becomes a part of your vision.

Can cataracts come back after surgery?

No, once cataracts are removed, they don’t come back. But you might get posterior capsule opacification (PCO), which can make vision cloudy again. If this happens, your doctor can fix it with a simple laser treatment.

Can cataracts develop in young people?

Yes. Although cataracts are more common in older adults, young people can get them, too. They can develop because of an injury, genetics, health conditions like congenital cataracts, or certain medications.

Can I drive after cataract surgery?

No, you can’t drive right after surgery. You will need someone to take you home. Your doctor will tell you when it’s safe to drive again—usually in a few days to a week.

Can I have cataract surgery if I have other eye conditions?

Yes, but if you have glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic eye disease, the doctor will make a specific plan to get the best possible results.

What happens if I blink during cataract surgery?

You don’t need to worry about blinking! An advanced device keeps your eye open during surgery, so your doctor can work.

Can I wear makeup after cataract surgery?

No, it’s best to wait at least a week before wearing makeup. This helps prevent infections. When you start using makeup again, make sure it’s fresh and clean.

What should I eat after cataract surgery?

Eating healthy foods can help your eyes heal faster! Try eating:

• Leafy greens (like spinach and kale).
• Fish (like salmon and tuna).
• Nuts (like almonds and walnuts).
• Fruits and vegetables with vitamins A, C, and E.

Conclusion

Cataracts can make it harder to see clearly, which may lead to dizziness and trouble with balance. This is especially common in older adults. While cataracts don’t directly cause dizziness, vision problems like blurry sight, trouble judging distances, and light sensitivity can make you feel unsteady.

The good news is that there are ways to improve your vision and balance. Regular eye check-ups, wearing the right glasses, and cataract surgery (if needed) can help you see more clearly and feel more stable.

If you’re having trouble with your vision or feel dizzy, an eye doctor can help you find the best way to improve your sight and feel more confident in your daily life.

If you’re struggling with blurry vision or dizziness, you don’t have to face it alone. Our team is here in Melbourne to help you understand your options and find the best solution for your eyes.

Book an appointment today and take the first step towards clearer vision and better balance. Contact Armadale Eye Clinic now at (03) 9070 5753 to get started!

Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.

Sources

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Clista B 2024. 8 Activities to Avoid After Cataract Surgery. GoodRx. Available at: https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/eye/what-activities-should-be-avoided-after-cataract-surgery [Accessed February 7, 2025]

Farnsworth C 2023. Can Cataracts Return After Surgery? What to Know. Medical News Today. Available at: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/can-cataracts-come-back-after-surgery [Accessed February 7, 2025]

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