Can cataracts be cured without surgery​​?

If you’ve been told you have cataracts, you might wonder if there’s a way to treat them without surgery. Perhaps you’ve seen eye drops, vitamins, or natural remedies advertised as “cures.” But do any of these really work?

In this post, we’ll explain what cataracts are, what causes them, and whether it’s possible to reverse or cure them without an operation. We’ll also share expert advice from Professor Paul Ursell, a leading cataract surgeon in Surrey, England.

What are cataracts?

A cataract is when the clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy. The lens focuses light onto the retina, helping you see clearly. When it gets cloudy, your vision becomes blurred or hazy, like looking through foggy glass.

Cataracts often develop slowly over time and are most common in older adults, though younger people can get them too.

Common symptoms of cataracts include:

• Blurry or cloudy vision
• Colours that look faded or yellowed
• Sensitivity to light and glare
• Trouble seeing at night
• Needing brighter light for reading
• Frequent changes to glasses or contact lens prescriptions

These changes can make everyday tasks like reading, driving, or watching TV more difficult.

What causes cataracts?

Cataracts usually form as part of the natural ageing process. Over time, the proteins inside the lens of your eye start to break down and clump together, making the lens cloudy.

However, several factors can make cataracts develop faster, including:

• Exposure to sunlight (UV light)
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Certain medications, like steroids
• Eye injuries or previous eye surgery
• Family history of cataracts

Because cataracts are caused by changes in the lens, they can’t just “go away” on their own, but there are ways to slow their growth and keep your eyes healthy.

Can cataracts go away without surgery?

No, once a cataract forms, it cannot be cured or reversed without surgery. The lens becomes permanently cloudy, and no eye drops, vitamins, or home remedies can make it clear again.

At present, the only proven treatment for cataracts is surgery.

Some people think cataracts can “dissolve” or be “washed away,” but this isn’t true. The lens doesn’t heal like skin or muscle, it doesn’t regenerate once it becomes cloudy.

That said, you can delay the development of cataracts and manage symptoms in the early stages with simple lifestyle changes.

How to slow the progress of cataracts

If your cataracts are mild and not yet affecting your daily life, you might not need surgery right away. Instead, you can take steps to help protect your eyes and slow the process.

Here are some simple ways to do that:

1. Wear UV-protective sunglasses.
   Long-term exposure to sunlight can speed up cataract formation. Choose sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays and wear a hat outdoors.
2. Eat a healthy diet.
   Foods rich in antioxidants — like leafy greens, citrus fruits, and carrots — support eye health. Vitamins C and E may help reduce lens damage over time.
3. Stop smoking.
   Smoking increases the risk of cataracts and other eye diseases. Quitting can help protect your vision.
4. Manage diabetes.
   If you have diabetes, keeping your blood sugar under control can help slow cataract growth.
5. Have regular eye tests.
   Eye exams can track changes in your vision and detect when cataracts begin to interfere with your daily activities.

These steps won’t remove a cataract, but they can help keep your eyes as healthy as possible until surgery is needed.

What about cataract eye drops or natural remedies?

There are many products online claiming to “cure” or “reverse” cataracts, from special eye drops to herbal supplements. Unfortunately, none of these are scientifically proven to work.

You may have heard about N-acetylcarnosine (NAC) eye drops, which are sometimes marketed as a cataract treatment. While early research looked promising, large clinical studies haven’t shown them to have any effect in reversing cataracts in humans.

Professor Paul Ursell advises patients to be cautious about any product claiming to cure cataracts without surgery. Not only are they unproven, but some unregulated products could cause irritation or infection.

If you’re considering trying any over-the-counter treatment, always check with an eye specialist first.

What can improve vision before surgery?

If you’re not ready for cataract surgery yet, there are ways to improve your vision temporarily.

1. Update your glasses or contact lenses.
   A stronger prescription can help you see better for a while.
2. Use brighter lighting at home.
   Extra light can make reading and close-up work easier.
3. Use magnifying lenses for small print.
   Handheld or electronic magnifiers can help reduce eye strain.
4. Reduce glare.
   Anti-glare lenses and hats with brims can make outdoor activities more comfortable.

These are short-term solutions, eventually, when cataracts progress, even the best glasses won’t help. That’s when it’s time to consider surgery.

Why surgery is the only cure

Cataract surgery is the only treatment that can restore clear vision once cataracts interfere with your daily life.

The procedure is simple and very safe. During the surgery, Professor Paul Ursell removes the cloudy natural lens and replaces it with a clear artificial lens called an intraocular lens (IOL).

The artificial lens stays in your eye permanently and cannot develop a cataract again. Most patients notice an immediate improvement in their vision, colours appear brighter, and everything looks sharper.

The operation usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes, and you can go home the same day. Recovery is quick, and most people can return to normal activities within a few days.

Because of modern technology and advanced surgical skill, cataract surgery today has one of the highest success rates of any operation.

What if you’re nervous about surgery?

It’s natural to feel anxious about having eye surgery, but there’s no need to worry. Cataract surgery is painless, quick, and performed under local anaesthetic. You’ll be awake, but your eye will be numb, and you won’t feel any discomfort.

Professor Paul Ursell and his team in London & Surrey take great care to ensure every patient feels comfortable and confident. They explain each step clearly and offer support before, during, and after your procedure.

After surgery, you’ll receive simple aftercare instructions and eye drops to help healing. Most people notice clearer vision within just a few days.

Final thoughts

Cataracts cannot be cured without surgery, but there’s no need to feel discouraged. Modern cataract surgery is fast, safe, and highly effective.

While no eye drops or natural treatments can remove cataracts, healthy lifestyle choices can slow their growth and protect your eyes.

If your vision has become cloudy or dull, it may be time to speak with a trusted specialist. With expert care from Professor Paul Ursell in London & Surrey, you can look forward to a brighter, clearer future.

Take the suitability self test today and find out if cataract surgery could help you see the world more clearly again.