A cataract is a clouding of the lens within the eye. A clear lens in the eye focuses light. This lets the eye see images sharply. With age, the lens slowly becomes cloudy. The cloudy lens is a cataract. A cataract scatters light and makes it hard for the eye to focus. Cataracts often form in both eyes, but one lens may cloud faster than the other.
CataractsA cataract is a clouding of the lens within the eye. A clear lens in the eye focuses light. This lets the eye see images sharply. With age, the lens slowly becomes cloudy. The cloudy lens is a cataract. A cataract scatters light and makes it hard for the eye to focus. Cataracts often form in both eyes, but one lens may cloud faster than the other.Causes of cataractsCataracts often occur with normal aging. In some cases, cataracts can occur in infants or children and might be associated with some birth defects, or, are hereditary. Eye disease, previous eye surgery, chronic diseases such as diabetes, or excessive use of steroid medicines may also cause cataracts. And in the event of a severe eye injury, cataracts can develop several months or even years later and are known as traumatic cataracts.The aging of your lensYour lens may cloud so slowly that you don’t notice any vision changes at first. But as the cataract gets worse, the eye has a harder time focusing. In early stages, glasses may help you see better. As the lens gets cloudier, your healthcare provider may recommend surgery to restore your vision.Cataract symptomsThe 2 most common symptoms of cataracts are cloudy vision and blurred vision. Other symptoms may include:Faded colorsA halo effect around lights Poor night visionSensitivity to glare and light Frequent changes in eyeglass or contact lens prescriptions Increased difficulty seeing at night or in low lightDouble vision in one eye Your evaluationAn evaluation will help determine more about the vision problems you are having and whether cataracts are the cause. This evaluation includes a medical history, vision tests, and an eye exam. The results will help to determine the best treatment options for you.After an eye exam, you and your eye care professional will discuss treatment options. A new eyeglass or contact lens prescription may improve your vision for a while. But surgery is the only way to remove a cataract and replace your cloudy lens. If your cataract isn’t keeping you from daily activities, you may want to wait to have it removed. Together, you and your eye care professional will decide what is best for you. Cataract surgery involves the removal of your eye’s cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear artificial lens implant, called an intraocular lens, or I-O-L. The surgery is often performed as an outpatient procedure and does not require an overnight hospital stay. Discuss in detail with your ophthalmologist:The surgical procedureThe preparation and recovery after surgeryThe benefits and possible complications related to the surgery And, the surgery costsThis will help you to make an informed decision about your cataract surgery.What to doIf you have cataracts, or want to decrease your risk of developing cataracts, you should adopt the following lifestyle changes:Have an eye exam every 1 to 2 years if you’re age 65 or older, even if you don’t have symptoms. If you’re younger, talk with your healthcare provider about how often you need an eye exam. The frequency depends on your age and health. Wear sunglasses that block a minimum of 99 percent UV light. Stop smoking. Use brighter lights for reading. And limit nighttime driving if night vision, halos, or glare become a problem. What we have learnedA cataract is the clouding of the lens within the eye. True or false? The answer is "true".There are many options to remove cataracts other than surgery. True or false? The answer is "false".Wearing sunglasses with 99 percent or more UV light protection can help decrease the risk of developing cataracts. True or false? The answer is "true".
Online Medical Reviewer: Chomsky, A, MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Haines, Cynthia, MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Townsend, J, OD
Date Last Reviewed: 05/01/2020
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
