What are Cataracts?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens. Our natural lens helps focus light entering the eye, and when clouded you will notice blurred vision, difficulty driving at night and an overall need for more light when trying to read materials. Cataracts are a normal aging change that develops throughout our lives and usually become visually significant in our 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, although people of any age can develop visually significant cataracts.
What causes cataracts?
Aging is the most common cause of cataract formation. Some people can be born with cataracts and certain medications can induce cataract formation at an early age.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms of a cataract are:
- Consistently cloudy or blurred vision.
- Increased glare. Headlights, lamps, or sunlight may appear too bright. A halo may appear around lights especially at nighttime.
- Poor night vision.
- Double vision or multiple images in one eye.
- Colors seem faded.
- Frequent prescription changes in your eyeglasses or contact lenses.
- These symptoms also can be a sign of other eye problems. If you have any of these symptoms, check with your eye care professional.
Are there factors that make you more at risk?
The risk of cataract increases as you get older. Other risk factors for cataract include:
- Certain diseases (for example, diabetes).
- Certain medications (steroids).
- Personal behavior (smoking, alcohol use).
- The environment (prolonged exposure to ultraviolet sunlight).