Can cataracts cause permanent vision loss?

Generally, vision loss caused by cataracts is reversible, as the cloudy lens which obscures your vision can be removed and replaced with an artificial lens (also called an intraocular lens or IOL). In about 9 out of 10 cases, people experience better vision after their cataract surgery (National Eye Institute, 2024). Once a cataract is removed, you can’t develop another cataract in the same eye again (Healthdirect, 2024).

Complications from cataract surgery, such as an infection in the eye, may result in vision loss. However, these complications are very uncommon. Your doctor will be able to talk you through the risks associated with your surgery and the best ways to prevent complications afterwards (InformedHealth.org, 2026).

Potential complications of hypermature cataracts

In rare cases, if a cataract is left untreated for too long, it can become a hypermature or Morgagnian cataract, which can cause other complications over a long period of time that may cause permanent vision loss (Healthline, 2025). However, this mostly occurs in regions with limited access to cataract surgery and eye care (World Health Organisation, 2026). Your eye care professional will track the progression of your cataract and recommend surgery at an appropriate time. If your cataract is beginning to impact your daily life, you can ask your eye care professional about your best options.

Cataracts and comorbidities

If you are living with another eye condition in addition to your cataract, this might change how your cataract is managed. This will vary significantly depending on your personal circumstances and your eye care professional will be able to provide the best advice for your situation. These considerations may mean you have to live with the vision loss caused by cataracts for a longer period while another condition is being treated or stabilised.

Some general considerations for different conditions include:

• Glaucoma: If you have recently had surgery for your glaucoma, your eye care professional may recommend postponing cataract surgery until you have fully healed. In some cases, your eye care professional might recommend you have surgery for your glaucoma and cataract together. In other cases, cataract surgery alone may help to lower your intraocular pressure (IOP), which can help to manage your glaucoma. However, this will not restore any vision loss already caused by glaucoma (Kyari, 2019).
• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): A few studies have suggested cataract surgery may accelerate the progression of AMD, however, the majority of studies show no link. However, cataracts may mask the symptoms or vision loss caused by AMD, so these may feel more noticeable after cataract surgery. Cataracts might also obscure the ability of your eye care professional to monitor retinal conditions such as AMD, so cataract surgery may be recommended to give greater visibility to the retina to better manage these conditions and reduce further vision loss (Macular Disease Foundation Australia, N.D.).
• Diabetic retinopathy: Depending on the type of diabetic retinopathy, cataract surgery may increase the chances or severity of developing macular oedema. Your eye care professional will develop a pre- and post-operative plan with you to minimise this risk (Temkar and Murugesan, 2024). In some cases, complications of diabetic retinopathy may require a procedure called a vitrectomy, which can be combined with cataract surgery under the right circumstances.

For more information:

1. Talk to your eye care professional about the best treatment options for you.
2. Read more about cataracts and glaucoma on the Glaucoma Australia website.
3. Read more about cataracts and AMD on the Macular Disease Foundation Australia website.