What is a cataract?

A cataract is formed when the lens of your eye becomes cloudy. This gives a foggy or dusty look to things you look at. 

 

What causes cataracts?

Cataracts are mostly caused by normal eye changes related to age. This makes aging the most common cause for cataracts. Around the age of 40 the normal proteins in your eyes start breaking down. This is what causes the lens to become cloudy. Cataracts are not contagious, and they can occur in either eye or both eyes at the same time. 

Cataracts can also develop for other reasons such as an eye injury, spending lots of time in the sun without sunglasses or other health problems, such as diabetes. Doctors are unable to predict how quickly cataracts develop, and it is different for every person. 

 

What are the symptoms of a cataract?

Blurry vision, seeing double, light sensitivity, trouble seeing at night and seeing bright colors that may appear faded and a yellowish tint may all be symptoms of cataracts. If you experience any of these please be sure to tell you ophthalmologist at your annual visit. 

 

How are cataracts treated?

The only way to treat cataracts is by removing  your cloudy lens during surgery, and your surgeon will replace that lens with a new lens called an intraocular lens. Your surgeon will determine what works best for you. 

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