Cataracts
Clouding of the eye's natural lens. It causes blurred vision, glare and halos around lights, and faded, yellowed colours.
1 in 6 people over 40 are affected
Treatment: surgery to replace the lens (phacoemulsification).
Vision simulator
See how eye diseases change sight
From the soft haze of an early cataract to the central blind spot of advanced macular degeneration. Pick one or more conditions and set the severity.
For education only. It does not replace an eye examination. If your vision changes, see an ophthalmologist (eye doctor).
Your photo and camera picture stay on this device. Nothing is uploaded.
Choose Demo scene to load a sample image, or choose your own photo.
For education only
It does not replace an eye examination. If your vision changes, see an ophthalmologist (eye doctor). These pictures are rough approximations and cannot show exactly what vision loss feels like.
Conditions
Choose one, or several to combine them.
Moderate
Normal vision
Baseline view with clear central and side vision, normal colours and normal contrast.
Use this as a reference when comparing simulated conditions.
About these conditions
Short notes on common eye conditions and how they are usually treated.
Glaucoma
Damage to the optic nerve, often linked to high pressure inside the eye. Side vision is lost slowly, often with no early symptoms.
Over 70M people affected globally
Treatment: eye drops, laser, or surgery to lower the pressure and stop it getting worse.
Macular degeneration (AMD)
The macula, the centre of the retina, wears down. A blind spot forms in the middle while side vision remains.
Dry AMD is the most common type (90%)
Treatment: anti-VEGF injections for wet AMD. Nutritional supplements may slow dry AMD.
Diabetic retinopathy
High blood sugar damages the blood vessels of the retina. They leak, causing dark spots and blurred vision.
1 in 3 people with diabetes develop it
Treatment: blood sugar control, laser photocoagulation, anti-VEGF injections, or vitrectomy.