Anne Hathaway shares health battle with early onset cataract and vision loss
The actress revealed she was 'legally blind' in one eye for 10 years before undergoing surgery
Anne Hathaway has revealed she lived with severe vision impairment in one eye for a decade, describing herself as “legally blind” in her left eye before undergoing corrective surgery at the age of 40.
The 43-year-old actress shared her personal health struggle during an appearance on The New York Times podcast Popcast, where she explained she had developed an early-onset cataract between the ages of 30 and 40.
“I was half blind for 10 years,” Hathaway said, noting that the condition gradually worsened until she was “basically legally blind” in her left eye.
According to the Mayo Clinic, a cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens that can significantly impair vision, making it difficult to read, drive at night, or recognize facial expressions clearly.
Hathaway said the impact on her life was more severe than she initially realized, affecting both her physical comfort and mental well-being.
“I didn’t realize how bad it had gotten until I could finally see the full spectrum,” she said, adding that her condition placed unexpected strain on her nervous system.
The actress eventually underwent surgery to restore her vision and said the recovery gave her a renewed sense of appreciation for everyday sight.
“I appreciate vision because I literally feel like every day, I wake up and I get to see the way that I do, it’s a miracle,” she said. “I actually feel very connected to that kind of miracle.”
She added that modern medical treatment made a significant difference in her outcome, noting that her condition would likely have been far more limiting in earlier generations.
Hathaway has recently spoken candidly about other aspects of her personal life as well, including her approach to public scrutiny and speculation about her appearance, emphasizing that she prefers to avoid engaging directly with rumors.
Her latest comments add to a growing series of personal reflections as she continues promotional work for upcoming projects, including The Devil Wears Prada 2.
