Cataract
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s lens that prevents light from focusing on the retina.Â
Cataracts | |
|---|---|
What it is | A clouding of the eye’s lens |
How it occurs | Protein in the lens breaks down and clumps together |
Symptoms | Blurred, cloudy, or dim vision, difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to light, double vision |
Causes | Aging, eye trauma, diabetes, smoking, prolonged exposure to UV radiation, certain medications |
Treatment | Cataract surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens |
Cataracts are more common in older adults, but can also occur in children and babies. They usually develop slowly and affect both eyes, but not necessarily at the same time or to the same degree.Â
In the early stages, cataracts may not cause noticeable changes in vision, and they aren’t usually painful. However, as the condition progresses, vision loss can become more severe and affect your ability to do daily activities like driving.Â
You can have your vision checked by an eye specialist, optometrist, or doctor if you notice any changes in your vision.Â
