A CATARACT is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which is located right behind the pupil and iris. It is part of the normal aging process, usually developing slowly throughout life. It starts to affect most people in their 60’s and 70’s, though several risk factors can cause them to develop sooner, such as prolonged exposure to the sun (ultraviolet light), smoking, alcoholism, long term use of certain medications such as steroids, eye injuries, diabetes, and obesity. Cataracts are the leading cause of reversible blindness around the world.

Symptoms

• Blurry vision
• Glare from headlights or sunlight
• Poor night vision
• Colors appear faded
• Double vision out of one eye
• Painless

Treatment

• Update prescription for glasses or contacts
• Surgery