Can Cataracts Cause Headaches? Symptoms & Treatments

Cataracts themselves rarely cause headaches, because the clouding of the eye’s natural lens affects light transmission rather than the nerves that trigger pain. However, cataracts impair vision and make the eye’s muscles work harder; people often squint, lift their eyebrows or stare intensely to overcome a cloudy lens and blurry vision.

This eye strain can trigger tension‑type headaches or migraines, especially in bright lights, and the altered glasses prescription needed for cataracts can also cause discomfort. If you are noticing frequent headaches together with blurred vision, light sensitivity or halos around lights, schedule an eye examination. Sometimes these symptoms can also indicate that the pressure might be high in the eye. Cataract surgery replaces the cloudy lens with a clear artificial lens and restores clear vision. Proper treatment can dramatically reduce eye strain and improve quality of life.

We spoke to expert Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Mr Niten Vig, about the symptoms of cataracts, the different types of cataracts and what treatment options are available. Mr Vig is a specialist in cataract surgery, glaucoma diagnosis & treatment and all eye conditions based at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital in North London.

What are cataracts?

A cataract is a cloudy area in the eye’s natural lens. When you are young the lens is clear; after about age 40 the proteins in the lens begin to break down, clump together and form a cloudy patch. Initially you may not notice any symptoms, but as the clouding spreads you may experience blurred or dim vision, faded colours, haloes around lights, difficulty seeing in bright lights or at night, and frequent changes in prescription. Cataracts progress slowly and are part of the normal ageing process, though they can also develop after eye injury or surgery or be present at birth.

Causes and risk factors

Cataracts develop because of normal ageing, but several factors increase the risk of their formation:

• Ageing – cataracts become more common with each decade.
• Diabetes and other systemic diseases.
• Excessive sunlight exposure (UV light).
• Smoking and heavy alcohol use.
• Obesity and high blood pressure.
• Family history, previous eye injury or surgery, prolonged use of corticosteroid medicines.

Adopting a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, wearing UV‑blocking sunglasses and managing chronic conditions may lower the risk, but no study has shown that antioxidants or supplements can reverse existing cataracts.

Types of cataracts and symptoms

Cataracts vary depending on where the clouding occurs in the lens:

Other less common types include traumatic cataracts (after injury), radiation cataracts and secondary cataracts that occur when the capsule around an intra‑ocular lens becomes cloudy after surgery (posterior capsular opacification). Secondary cataracts can appear months or years after surgery but are treatable with a quick laser procedure.

Why do cataracts cause headaches?

A cataract itself does not directly irritate pain‑sensing nerves, so it rarely causes headaches. However, cataracts degrade the quality of the visual image, forcing the eyes and brain to work harder to achieve a clear image. Several mechanisms can link cataracts and headaches:

• Eye strain – When vision becomes blurry or cloudy, people often squint, frown or raise their eyebrows to see better. This continuous effort strains the small muscles around the eyes and can lead to tension headaches. Around 30 % of people with advanced cataracts experience headaches due to straining to see, squinting and light sensitivity.
• When the cataract is very advanced, sometimes It can prevent fluid draining from the inside of the eye, leading to a raised pressure. Known as angle closure, this is uncommon but needs treating urgently.
• Increased sensitivity to light – Cataracts scatter light within the eye. Bright sunlight, headlights or glare cause discomfort and eye fatigue. To cope, people may close their eyes, shade their face or avoid light, which can trigger headaches.
• Altered depth perception and refraction – As the lens becomes cloudy, its focusing power changes. Glasses or contact lenses may no longer correct vision, causing blurred or double vision and leading to cluster headaches or ocular migraines in susceptible people.
• Stress and anxiety – Losing sharp vision can impact independence and reading, driving or work. The stress of declining eye health can contribute to headaches or make them feel worse.

It’s important to remember that headaches are common and have many causes. Persistent or severe headaches should always be discussed with a healthcare professional to rule out other conditions.

How do I know if I need cataract surgery?

Cataracts progress slowly, and early on, you can often manage symptoms with brighter lighting, magnifying lenses and updated glasses. Surgery becomes the preferred treatment when blurred vision interferes with daily activities such as reading, driving or recognising faces. If cataracts are beginning to affect your vision, your optometrist may suggest surgery and refer you to an ophthalmologist. If cataracts are present in both eyes, you may have each eye done separately or consider having both eyes done together.

Indicators that you may benefit from surgery include:

• Blurry or cloudy vision that glasses cannot correct.
• Increasing sensitivity to light or glare.
• Frequent changes in prescription
• Difficulty seeing at night or driving safely.
• Eye strain leading to headaches.

An ophthalmologist will perform an eye examination to assess the stage of the cataract, discuss lens options (monofocal, multifocal or toric), and consider any other eye diseases. Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure that removes the cloudy natural lens and implants a clear artificial lens. Early consultation helps you plan the best time for surgery and choose the intra‑ocular lens that suits your lifestyle.

Cost of cataract surgery – why private hospitals offer value

Cataract surgery is one of the most common operations in the UK. There can be lengthy waiting lists, so many people choose private care for quicker access and a greater choice of lenses. Another key benefit is choosing your consultant and knowing they are an experienced surgeon.  At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital (HJE) in London, cataract surgery costs are transparent and competitively priced:

HJE’s package price covers pre‑assessment, hospital fees and follow‑up care; the hospital guarantees the quoted fee for one month. Additional procedures, such as retinal repair with drainage or macular surgery, have separate pricing.

Take control of your vision

Cataracts are a common eye condition that gradually clouds the lens, causing blurry vision, difficulty with bright lights and sometimes frequent headaches due to eye strain. The clouding cannot be reversed naturally, and there is currently no proven method to dissolve or prevent cataracts with diet, supplements or eye drops. However, modern cataract surgery is quick, safe and highly effective; it replaces the cloudy natural lens with a clear artificial lens, restoring vision and relieving the secondary symptoms that trigger headaches and eye fatigue.

St John & St Elizabeth Hospital offers competitively priced treatment with leading surgeons and a friendly environment. If you are experiencing blurred vision, increased light sensitivity or headaches that interfere with daily life, take our quick self‑suitability quiz or book a consultation. Early intervention can significantly improve your quality of life and help you regain confidence on the road and at work.

FAQs about Cataract Surgery

How long does cataract surgery take?

The surgery itself typically takes about 20 minutes; more complex cases may take up to 40 minutes. From arrival to discharge you will be at the hospital for two to three hours, and cataract surgery is performed as a day‑case procedure. Surgeons operate either on eye at a time or can both together, depending on your preferences and clinical assessment.

What are the risks of cataract surgery?

Cataract surgery is very safe, but like any surgery it has risks. Potential complications include eye infection, bleeding, swelling of the front or back of the eye, swelling of the retina, detached retina, damage to other parts of the eye, persistent pain, blurred vision, seeing halos or glare, vision loss and displacement of the artificial lens. Serious complications are rare, and most can be treated successfully. Your surgeon will take you through the risks and explain any issues specific to your case.

Can cataracts come back?

No. During cataract surgery the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens, so the original cataract cannot recur. However, the lens capsule that holds the artificial lens can become cloudy months or years later – a condition called posterior capsular opacification or secondary cataract. This is common (affecting up to 50 % of patients within five years) and causes blurred vision similar to a cataract. A quick outpatient laser procedure called YAG capsulotomy restores clear vision.

Is cataract surgery painful?

Most people experience little to no pain during cataract surgery. Local anaesthetic eye drops numb the eye, and mild sedation may be given; you may feel pressure or touch but no sharp pain. The procedure is quick, usually lasting around 20 minutes, and modern techniques make cataract surgery one of the safest and most comfortable eye operations. After surgery, mild gritty discomfort or itching is normal and can be managed well the drops you are given and if needed, mild over the counter painkillers.

How long after cataract surgery can you drive?

You must not drive home after surgery – arrange for someone to take you home. You can drive again once you meet the DVLA vision standard, which means being able to read a number plate at 20.5 meters with both eyes open; this usually takes about three to four days, but your consultant will confirm at your post‑operative appointment.

Can cataracts be reversed?

Despite numerous claims on the internet, there is no scientifically proven way to reverse cataracts naturally. Consuming antioxidant‑rich foods, taking supplements or using “natural” eye drops may support overall eye health but cannot reverse existing cataracts or stop their progression. Even early‑stage cataracts cannot be reversed; you can manage symptoms with updated glasses, anti‑glare sunglasses and brighter lighting, but only surgery removes the clouded lens. Cataract surgery remains the only effective treatment to restore clear vision.