Cataract

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in your eye. It affects your vision. Cataracts are very common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either have a cataract or have had cataract surgery.

A cataract can occur in either or both eyes. It cannot spread from one eye to the other. Common symptoms are

• Blurry vision
• Colors that seem faded
• Glare – headlights, lamps or sunlight may seem too bright. You may also see a halo around lights.
• Not being able to see well at night
• Double vision
• Frequent prescription changes in your eye wear

Cataracts usually develop slowly. New glasses, brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses or magnifying lenses can help at first. Surgery is also an option. It involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial lens. Wearing sunglasses and a hat with a brim to block ultraviolet sunlight may help to delay cataracts.

NIH: National Eye Institute

• Cataract (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Cataract removal (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Slit-lamp exam (Medical Encyclopedia)
• Standard ophthalmic exam (Medical Encyclopedia)

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