Living well with cataracts

Driving

Check with your optician to find out if you still meet the standards for driving with some simple eye tests.

It's a legal requirement to notify the DVLA if you don't meet the standards. You should ask your optometrist if you are unsure if you need to notify the DVLA or not. You can call their medical helpline on 0300 790 6806.

Remember to also notify your insurers to make sure your insurance is still valid.

Public Transport

Take time before your journey to familiarise yourself with it as much as possible. You can also let transport providers know ahead of time of your sight impairment and receive appropriate assistance.

Glare

Many people with cataracts find that sunshine can be particularly dazzling; wraparound eye shields or sunglasses can help with this. It's usually better to try them before purchasing so if possible, ask your optician's advice and get help with the level of tint for your glasses.

You can also try wearing a hat with a brim when outside.

How to increase text size

iPad or iPhone

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap on Accessibility
3. Tap on Display & Text Size
4. Tap on Larger Text
5. Enable Larger Accessibility Sizes
6. Drag the slider at the bottom of the screen to choose your preferred text size

Android phones and tablets

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap on Accessibility
3. Tap on Font Size
4. Drag the slider at the bottom of the screen to choose your preferred text size

How to increase display size

iPad or iPhone

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap on Display & Brightness
3. Tap on Display Zoom
4. Tap on the Zoomed option
5. Tap on Set in the top right.
6. Your device needs to restart to make the changes. Tap on Use Zoomed to restart.

Android phones and tablets

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap on Accessibility
3. Tap on Display Size
4. Use the slider at the bottom of the screen to choose your preferred display size.

Lighting

• Ensure you have enough lighting around your home, particularly around trip hazards such as stairs, so you can see as well as possible.
• Use blinds at windows to shield from bright sunshine.
• Ensure your room lights have diffusers so that there is no bare bulbs

Reading

• Use a magnifier for small print or instructions on packaging or medication.
• Sit with your back to the sunlight when reading
• Explore audiobooks or ebooks with adjustable font sizes. You might enjoy RNIB's Talking Books Service, which you can find out more about by clicking here.
• Request large print library books.

Watching TV

• If you are struggling to enjoy TV programmes because of your vision, try enabling audio description (AD).
• Our page on AD ‍has information on how to do this, you can find it by clicking here. Audio description describes what is happening on screen so that you don’t miss any important details.
• Sit closer to the TV to help.
• Try adjusting settings such as contrast to see if you can see the screen better.

Living with reduced vision due to cataracts can be overwhelming, especially when faced with the prospect of surgery and managing your diagnosis alongside other responsibilities, such as caring for loved ones.

Here are 3 strategies to help you cope with the emotional aspects of your cataract journey:

Stay Informed: Knowledge is power. Understanding your condition and the steps involved in treatment can help to reduce anxiety and empower you to make informed decisions about your care.

Lean on Support: Don't hesitate to reach out to friends or family members, for emotional support and encouragement.

Practice Self-Care: Prioritise self-care activities that promote physical and emotional well-being. Participate in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, such as reading, listening to music, exercising, practising mindfulness, or spending time in nature.

If you are anxious about the surgery itself, here is a video detailing what you can expect on surgery day.