Living well with cataracts

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.

Here are our top tips to help you get out and about confidently – whether you’re walking to the shops, catching a bus or taking the train.

Driving

• Check with your optician to find out if you still meet the vision standards for driving.
• It's a legal requirement to notify the DVLA if you don't meet the vision 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. If you live in Northern Ireland you can call the DVA on 0300 200 7861.
• Remember to also notify your insurers to make sure your insurance is still valid.

Public transport

• Planning your journey ahead of time can help, particularly if you’re going to a new place.
• Let transport staff know about your eye condition so they can offer you support if needed.
• You can get local bus and train timetables in bigger font or audio.

Glare

Sunshine and bright light can be very dazzling if you have cataracts.

Tips to help reduce glare:

• Wear a hat with a wide brim when you go outside.
• Choose sunglasses in a protective style. Bigger lenses give your eyes more protection, so it’s a good idea to get the largest lenses that fit your face comfortably. You can also get wraparound styles which stop light coming from the sides.
• Sunglasses should have British Standard (BSEN 1836:2005) and carry the “CE” mark.
• Try using glare shields. They’re like sunglasses, but they also stop light coming from the top and sides. Different tints are available. It’s important not to have the tint too dark because it might increase your risk of falling. It’s a good idea to try them before buying, so ask your optician’s advice.

It’s important that you do not drive at night wearing sunglasses or tinted lenses.

Find out more about photophobia

Cataracts can make everyday activities feel more challenging. Here are quick tips that can help you keep doing the things you want and need to do:

Lighting

• Use blinds or curtains on windows to shield from bright sunshine.
• Make sure you have enough lighting around your home. Extra lighting around trip hazards such as stairs and hallways is helpful.
• Cataracts can make it harder to see at night. Turn the lights on if you need to get up at night to go to use the bathroom.

Reading

• Use a magnifier for small print or instructions on packaging or medication.
• Sit with your back to the sunlight when reading.
• Try audiobooks or eBooks with font sizes you can change. You can join RNIB Talking Books to access over 40,000 audiobooks. It’s free and easy to sign up.

Watching TV

• Sitting closer to the TV can help.
• Take regular breaks to rest your eyes.
• Changing the contrast and brightness settings on your TV may help you see the screen better.
• Glare from windows and lights can make it harder to see the TV. Try moving your light sources, blinds or your TV.
• Try turning on audio description (AD). AD describes what’s happening on screen so that you don’t miss any important details. We have a guide to help you use AD.

Living with cataracts can feel overwhelming - especially if you’re waiting for surgery, have other health conditions or responsibilities like caring for your loved ones.

Here are 3 tips to help you manage anxiety:

Get information Understanding cataracts and what happens next can help you make informed decisions and feel better about having surgery.

We have information to help you understand cataracts and what happens before, during and after surgery.

You can also ask your eye care team for more information. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your appointments:

• Ask any questions you have – no question is too big or small.
• Write down any questions you have before your appointment and take the list with you.
• If your specialist says something you don’t understand, ask them to explain it another way.
• Take someone you trust to your appointments. They can give you emotional support and keep you company while you wait.
• You can ask for information in writing, so you can read it at home.

Talk about it Talking about how you’re feeling can make a big difference and often eases worry. Reach out to your family and friends if you can.

You can also get emotional support from our free counselling service.

Practice self-care

Looking after yourself might not feel like a priority right now, but self-care can help. Try to make time every day for something you enjoy. It doesn’t have to be anything big – you could try going for a gentle walk, listening to music.