Cataract

Cataracts appear when the lens becomes cloudy or opaque, causing gradual blurring of vision. In a normal eye this lens is clear and helps focus light rays onto the back of the eye (the retina), which in turn sends messages to the brain, allowing us to see. When cataracts develop, the lens becomes cloudy and prevents light rays from passing to the retina. The image that the retina receives becomes opaque and confused. Cataracts generally form slowly and most people experience a gradual blurring of vision, which eventually is not correctable with glasses.

In some people, vision can deteriorate relatively quickly. The development of a cataract can also cause glare, difficulty driving at night and even cause multiple image vision.

Most forms of cataracts develop in adulthood. The normal aging process causes the lens to harden and become cloudy. This is called an age-related cataract and is the most common type. It can occur at any time after age 40. Although most cataracts are age-related, there are other types, including congenital (present at birth), drug-induced (steroids), and traumatic (eye injury). Cataracts are also more prevalent in diabetics.

The most common cataract treatment is surgery, which involves refractive lenses to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a clear artificial lens. This treatment is quick, takes 30 to 60 minutes and significantly improves vision.