A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that can cause vision problems. The lens of the eye is normally clear and helps to focus light onto the retina, which sends visual information to the brain. However, with a cataract, the lens becomes cloudy, which can make it difficult to see clearly.
Cataracts can develop slowly over time or they may form rapidly. They are most commonly caused by aging, but can also be caused by other factors such as injury, certain medications, or medical conditions such as diabetes. Other risk factors for cataracts include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Symptoms of cataracts can include:
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Increased sensitivity to glare, particularly at night
- Colors may appear faded or yellowed
- Double vision in one eye
- Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription
Treatment for cataracts typically involves surgery to remove the clouded lens and replace it with an artificial lens. This is a very common and safe procedure that is typically done on an outpatient basis. After surgery, most people experience significant improvement in their vision and can resume normal activities within a few days to a few weeks.