Definition: A cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness among people older than 55. Most older people have some degree of lens clouding, which is a normal part of aging.
A cataract is generally painless. It usually starts out as a small, opaque spot and slowly grows larger. Vision is not usually affected until a large area of the lens becomes cloudy.
Possible symptoms of cataract include the following:
- Blurred vision
- Light sensitivity
- Halos around lights
- Impaired night vision
- Yellowing or fading of color vision
- Double vision
- Changes in eyewear prescription
If you think you may have a cataract, it is important to schedule a comprehensive eye examination. Some cataracts never need treatment, as they remain small and only slightly impair vision. Some people find improvement by wearing stronger glasses, using artificial tears, tinting lenses to reduce glare, and wearing sunglasses. However, patients with significant vision loss due to large cataracts may opt to undergo cataract surgery.
