If you’re in your sixties and finding that everyday activities like driving at night, reading a book, or recognising faces in dim light are becoming more difficult, you’re certainly not alone. For many people, this is the decade when cataracts finally reach the point where they interfere with daily life. In fact, most cataract surgery is performed in the 60s, making it the most common time for treatment.
By your sixties, cataracts that may have been quietly progressing for years often start to have a real impact on independence, safety, and quality of life. It’s usually at this stage that people begin considering surgery—not just to see more clearly, but to get back the confidence to do the things they love without worry.
In this guide, we’ll walk through why cataract surgery is so often carried out in your 60s, what you can expect before, during, and after the operation, and how it can transform your vision and daily routine. We’ll also cover lens options, lifestyle improvements, and answer some of the most common questions people ask us about surgery at this age.
Why the 60s Are the Most Common Time for Cataract Surgery
By the time you reach your 60s, it’s likely that cataracts have been developing for decades. Cataracts don’t form overnight; they are the result of gradual changes in the proteins within the lens of your eye. Throughout your forties and fifties, these changes might not have caused significant disruption, but the cumulative effect tends to become undeniable in your sixties.
This is also the stage of life when your personal priorities shift. Many people are either preparing for retirement or enjoying it already, so having clear vision becomes even more important for travel, hobbies, and spending time with family. Vision that’s dulled, cloudy, or prone to glare simply isn’t something you want to put up with when you finally have more freedom in your schedule.
Additionally, driving regulations and safety concerns often make cataract surgery unavoidable in this decade. In the UK, the DVLA requires drivers to meet certain vision standards. For many in their 60s, cataracts create enough blurriness, particularly at night, that passing those tests without surgery is no longer possible. That’s why so many people find themselves booking surgery around this time.
How Cataracts Progress by the 60s
In your sixties, cataracts typically shift from being a mild annoyance to a significant impairment. Earlier in life, you might have just needed stronger glasses, but by now, the cloudiness in the lens doesn’t respond to prescription changes. Instead, you notice persistent issues like halos around lights, double vision in one eye, or colours that seem washed out.
What’s more, cataracts tend to accelerate once they reach a certain stage. The changes that felt gradual in your forties and fifties often become more rapid in your sixties, meaning your vision may decline noticeably over just a year or two. That’s a big reason why cataract surgery becomes more pressing during this period.
You may also find that daily tasks become a source of frustration or even danger. Cooking, climbing stairs, or walking on uneven ground can feel risky if your depth perception isn’t sharp. It’s this loss of confidence, combined with practical limitations, that pushes many people to make the decision for surgery.
The Benefits of Cataract Surgery in Your 60s
Having surgery at this stage brings a wide range of benefits. First and foremost, your vision becomes clearer almost immediately after the procedure. Many patients describe it as lifting a fog or wiping a smeared window clean. Colours appear brighter, contrast sharpens, and reading small print or recognising faces becomes easy again.
Beyond just seeing more clearly, the benefits extend into lifestyle. Driving at night becomes safer when the glare from headlights is reduced. You may find that you’re more confident when walking outside, particularly in low light. Hobbies like painting, sewing, gardening, or photography can feel revitalised with restored sharpness and vibrancy of colour.
Emotionally, cataract surgery can also provide a boost. Many people report feeling younger and more independent after surgery. Instead of working around visual limitations or relying on others, you regain confidence in your ability to manage everyday activities with ease.
Risks and Considerations for Surgery in Your 60s
While cataract surgery is one of the safest procedures performed worldwide, it’s important to recognise that it still carries some risks. Potential complications include infection, swelling, or retinal detachment, though these remain rare. The vast majority of patients undergo surgery without major issues.
Another consideration in your sixties is the choice of intraocular lens (IOL). You’ll need to decide whether you want a standard monofocal lens, which corrects vision at one distance (often distance), or a premium option such as multifocal, trifocal, or extended depth of focus lenses, which can reduce your reliance on glasses. The decision often depends on lifestyle, budget, and how much freedom from glasses you’d like after surgery.
It’s also worth noting that underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, may need to be carefully managed around the time of surgery. Your surgeon will discuss any relevant risks with you and plan accordingly to ensure the best outcome.
Preparing for Cataract Surgery in Your 60s
Preparation starts with a comprehensive eye examination, including measurements to determine the correct power of your new lens implant. You’ll also have the chance to discuss your lifestyle needs, such as whether you spend more time driving, reading, or using a computer, which will help in choosing the right IOL.
In the weeks leading up to surgery, your surgeon may recommend adjusting certain medications, especially blood thinners, to reduce the risk of bleeding during the procedure. You’ll also receive instructions about using antibiotic or anti-inflammatory eye drops before surgery.
On the day itself, the procedure is usually performed under local anaesthetic, meaning you’ll be awake but pain-free. The actual surgery only takes around 15 to 30 minutes per eye. Because most patients in their 60s are otherwise healthy and active, recovery tends to be straightforward.
Recovery and What to Expect After Surgery
After surgery, most people are pleasantly surprised by how quickly their vision improves. In fact, many notice a difference within 24 hours. However, it’s common for your eyes to feel slightly gritty, watery, or sensitive to light for the first few days.
By the end of the first week, the majority of patients are back to their normal routines. Reading, cooking, and walking around all feel easier. You may be advised to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or swimming for a couple of weeks to give your eye time to heal properly.
By around four to six weeks, the healing process is complete, and you’ll have your final prescription checked if you still need glasses. Many people in their 60s find that they need glasses only for very fine detail work or, depending on the lens chosen, not at all
Lens Options for People in Their 60s
Choosing the right intraocular lens is a key decision during cataract surgery. For many patients in their 60s, this choice has a huge impact on their day-to-day experience after the procedure.
Monofocal lenses remain the most common option and are often covered by the NHS. They provide excellent clarity at one distance, usually far, meaning you’ll likely still need reading glasses.
Premium lenses, such as multifocal or trifocal implants, can give you more independence from glasses. These lenses are designed to provide clear vision at multiple distances. Extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses are another option, offering a continuous range of vision with fewer visual side effects.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your lifestyle. If you read a lot or spend hours on hobbies requiring close focus, you might lean towards premium lenses. If you’re happy to wear glasses for reading but want crystal-clear distance vision for driving, a monofocal lens may be more than enough.
Lifestyle Improvements After Cataract Surgery
For many people in their sixties, the most rewarding part of cataract surgery is the way it enhances everyday life. Tasks that once felt tiring or risky become simple again. Driving is smoother and safer, as you can spot hazards more quickly. Reading no longer requires special lighting. Watching television or enjoying a film at the cinema feels immersive again.
Beyond these basics, hobbies and social activities take on a new dimension. Whether it’s playing golf, travelling abroad, or simply walking in the countryside, your improved vision allows you to enjoy the richness of your surroundings. Many patients describe the joy of seeing colours more vividly, which makes even routine activities more enjoyable.
Social confidence also improves. It’s easier to maintain eye contact, recognise faces across a room, and engage with friends and family without straining. This renewed confidence often feeds into a greater sense of independence and wellbeing.
Cataract Surgery and Driving Confidence
Driving is one of the main reasons people in their 60s seek cataract surgery. Cloudy lenses can cause glare, especially from oncoming headlights at night, and reduce contrast sensitivity, making it harder to spot hazards. This doesn’t just affect safety; it also impacts independence.
After surgery, most patients report a dramatic improvement in their ability to drive safely. Night driving, in particular, becomes more comfortable. Many regain the confidence to take longer journeys, visit friends, or plan road trips without worrying about vision holding them back.
It’s worth noting that after surgery, you’ll need to meet DVLA standards to drive legally. With cataract removal and lens replacement, most people exceed these standards easily, enjoying sharper vision and reduced reliance on glasses.
Emotional Impact and Restoring Confidence
The emotional side of cataract surgery is sometimes overlooked, but it’s very real. Living with blurred or dulled vision can take a toll on your confidence. You may start to avoid social events, travel, or activities you once loved simply because you don’t feel safe or capable.
Surgery often reverses that decline. Clear vision gives you a renewed sense of independence. Patients often talk about feeling younger, more energetic, and more enthusiastic about life after their cataracts are removed.
It’s not just about seeing better—it’s about feeling like yourself again. The clarity and confidence gained from cataract surgery in your 60s can be life-changing, restoring not just your eyesight but also your outlook.
FAQs About Cataract Surgery in Your 60s
1. Is cataract surgery more successful in your 60s than later in life?
Yes, results are often especially good in your 60s. At this stage, most people are still in relatively good health and heal quickly, which helps the recovery process go smoothly. It also means there are usually fewer complications compared to surgery carried out in the late 70s or 80s. On top of that, vision improvements tend to feel particularly dramatic because cataracts often reach a stage in your 60s where they really interfere with everyday life. By acting at this time, you benefit from excellent surgical outcomes while regaining the freedom to do the things you enjoy.
2. Will I need both eyes done in my 60s?
In most cases, yes, because cataracts usually develop in both eyes. However, they rarely progress at exactly the same rate. One eye may affect your vision more than the other, so we typically operate on the worse eye first. Once that eye has healed and you’ve experienced the benefits, we’ll review whether and when the second eye should be done. Many people end up having both eyes treated within months of each other, but the timing depends on your personal situation and how much the cataract in the second eye is interfering with your daily life.
3. How long will I need off work after cataract surgery?
Most people are pleasantly surprised by how little downtime is needed. If your job is mainly desk-based, you may feel ready to return within two to three days, though you’ll still need to be careful about eye strain. For more physically demanding roles, such as those involving heavy lifting, dusty environments, or long hours of driving, it’s safer to plan for at least a week or two off. We’ll always give you advice tailored to your work so you know when it’s safe to go back without risking your recovery.
4. Will cataract surgery mean I no longer need glasses?
That depends entirely on the type of lens implant you choose. A standard monofocal lens usually means you’ll still need glasses for either near or distance vision, depending on how it’s set. If you’d like more freedom from glasses, premium options such as multifocal, trifocal, or extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses are available. These can greatly reduce your need for spectacles, though they sometimes come with trade-offs like halos around lights. We’ll talk through your lifestyle and priorities to help you decide what balance is right for you.
5. Is cataract surgery painful?
No, it isn’t painful. We use local anaesthetic drops to fully numb your eye, and if you’re feeling anxious, you may also be given a light sedative to help you relax. During the procedure, you might feel some gentle pressure or a cool sensation as fluid is used, but nothing sharp or uncomfortable. The whole operation usually takes around 15 minutes, and most people are surprised by how quick and easy it feels. Afterward, there may be some mild grittiness or watering for a few days, but this settles quickly.
6. How soon can I drive after cataract surgery?
Most patients can safely drive again within a week, as long as their vision meets DVLA standards. It’s important not to rush back to driving before you feel confident, especially at night when glare from headlights can still be noticeable in the early days. We always recommend waiting until you’ve had your post-op check, as this gives you reassurance that your vision is healing well and that you’re safe to get back on the road.
7. Are premium lenses worth considering in your 60s?
For many people, yes, especially if you want to cut down on your reliance on glasses. In your 60s, you may still be working, travelling, or taking part in hobbies that demand sharp vision at all distances. Premium lenses can give you more freedom, but they’re not the right choice for everyone. Some people notice glare or halos, particularly at night, and they also come at an additional cost. It’s worth weighing up how much glasses-free vision matters to you compared to the potential side effects, and we’ll guide you through those discussions.
8. Can cataracts come back after surgery?
The cataract itself cannot return because the cloudy natural lens is permanently removed and replaced with a clear implant. However, in some cases, the thin capsule that holds the new lens in place can become cloudy months or years later. This is known as posterior capsule opacification (PCO). If it happens, your vision may feel like it’s blurring again, but the solution is simple: a quick, painless laser treatment called YAG capsulotomy, which restores your vision within minutes.
9. How safe is cataract surgery in your 60s?
Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most frequently performed operations worldwide, with success rates well over 95%. In your 60s, the risks are particularly low because your general health and healing ability are usually stronger than in later years. Complications like infection, swelling, or retinal detachment are rare, and we take every precaution to minimise them. We’ll also check your overall health carefully before surgery so that everything is tailored to you.
10. What happens if I delay cataract surgery in my 60s?
Delaying surgery can mean coping with blurry or cloudy vision for longer, which may make driving, reading, or even walking on uneven ground more difficult. Cataracts also become denser over time, which can make the surgery slightly more complex if you leave it too long. That doesn’t mean you should rush into it, but once cataracts are affecting your quality of life, it’s usually better to go ahead rather than waiting for them to get worse. Acting sooner often means an easier procedure and a quicker recovery.
Final Thoughts
For many people, their 60s are the ideal time to have cataract surgery. By this stage, cataracts often interfere with daily life, but overall health and healing are usually still strong enough to ensure a smooth recovery. The procedure doesn’t just sharpen your eyesight—it can restore your confidence, independence, and freedom to enjoy the things you love.
Think about what clearer vision could mean for you. Whether it’s driving without glare, reading without strain, or simply seeing colours in their true vibrancy again, the benefits go far beyond the clinical side of things. Many of our patients tell us that surgery feels life-changing, not only because of the vision they gain but also because of how it brings back their confidence and independence.
If you’ve been living with the frustration of blurred or cloudy vision, we can help you take the next step. We’ll guide you through your options, explain what results you can expect, and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
At the London Cataract Centre, we’re here to make sure your 60s—and all the years that follow—are filled with clarity, confidence, and the freedom to enjoy life to the fullest.
References
- Donachie, P.H.J., Day, A.C., Sim, P.Y., Buchan, J.C. & The Royal College of Ophthalmologists’ National Ophthalmology Database Study, Report 9, 2023. Risk factors for posterior capsule opacification. Eye. [online] Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36002508/ [Accessed 16 September 2025].
- Han, X., et al., 2023. Real-world visual outcomes of cataract surgery based on different settings. British Journal of Ophthalmology, 107(8), pp.1056-1063. Available at: https://bjo.bmj.com/content/107/8/1056 [Accessed 16 September 2025].
- Ursell, P.G., Dhariwal, M., O’Boyle, D., Khan, J., Venerus, A., et al., 2020. 5-year incidence of YAG capsulotomy and PCO after cataract surgery with single-piece monofocal intraocular lenses: a real-world evidence study of 20,763 eyes. Eye, 34, pp.960-968. Available at: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41433-019-0630-9 [Accessed 16 September 2025].
- Michalska-Małecka, K., Oleszko, A., Romaniuk, W. & Żarnowski, T., 2013. Results of cataract surgery in the very elderly population. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 8, pp.1041-1046. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3741036/ [Accessed 16 September 2025].