Can cataract surgery improve night vision?

Are you struggling to drive at night? Do oncoming headlights make you squint or feel unsafe? If you have cataracts, these symptoms are common—and frustrating.

One of the biggest benefits of cataract surgery is the improvement it brings in night vision. For many people, that means driving with confidence again.

In this blog, we’ll explore how cataracts affect night vision, how surgery helps, and what to expect with private cataract care from Professor Paul Ursell, an expert in lens and cataract surgery.

How do cataracts affect night vision?

Cataracts cause the clear lens in your eye to become cloudy. That cloudiness scatters light as it enters the eye, which makes:

• Lights appear blurry or haloed
• Colours look faded
• Depth perception harder to judge
• Glare from streetlights or headlights more intense.

These effects are often worse at night, when your pupils dilate and more light enters the eye.

It’s no surprise that night driving is one of the first things people avoid as cataracts develop.

What happens after cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery removes the cloudy lens and replaces it with a clear, artificial lens (an IOL). This dramatically improves how light travels through your eye.

As a result, most people report:

• Less glare & dazzle from lights
• Sharper night vision
• Improved depth perception
• More confidence when driving in the dark.

You may even feel safer walking outside or reading in low-light conditions.

Why private care makes a difference

With NHS surgery, most people receive a standard monofocal lens. It improves vision, but may still require you to wear glasses—especially in dim light.

With private cataract surgery, you can choose a lens that fits your lifestyle. Options include:

• Multifocal lenses for near and distance
• EDOF lenses that help with intermediate and low-light vision
• Toric lenses for those with astigmatism

Choosing the right lens can further enhance your night vision—and reduce your need for glasses altogether.

Will my night vision be perfect?

Cataract surgery significantly improves night vision, but outcomes vary based on:

• The type of lens implanted
• Your eye health
• Any pre-existing conditions (like macular degeneration or dry eye)

Professor Ursell uses advanced scans to assess your eyes and recommend the lens most likely to give you the best results—day and night.

When will I see the improvement?

Many people notice a difference in vision within 24–48 hours after surgery, especially in brightness and contrast.

Night vision continues to improve as your eye heals. Most people feel more confident in the first week or two after surgery.

What if I have cataracts in both eyes?

If you need surgery in both eyes, treating both will give the most balanced and reliable improvement in night vision.

With private care, you can schedule surgery for each eye without long delays—often just a week or two apart.

Final thoughts

If night driving has become a source of stress or fear, cataract surgery can help restore your confidence.

With private care from Professor Paul Ursell, you’ll receive expert advice, advanced technology, and access to the best lens for your needs.

Wondering if cataract surgery could improve your night vision?

Take our suitability self-test and find out if private care is right for you.