What is a cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye. The normally clear lens lets light enter the eye. As it becomes cloudy, less light enters and vision becomes blurry. It can be compared to a window that is frosted or yellowed. Cataracts are common with age and can occur in one or both eyes. The clouding of the lens usually happens slowly over time. But it can happen quickly.

How quickly the cataract develops varies among individuals, and may even be different between the two eyes. Most age-related cataracts progress gradually over a period of years. Other cataracts, especially in younger people and people with diabetes, may progress rapidly over a short time. It is not possible to predict exactly how fast cataracts will develop in any given person.

What causes cataract?
The most common type of cataract is related to aging of the eye.
Causes of cataract include:

• family history;
• medical problems, such as diabetes;
• injury to the eye;
• medications, especially steroids;
• long-term, unprotected exposure to sunlight;
• previous eye surgery; unknown factors.

How is cataract treated?
Surgery is the only way a cataract can be removed. However, if symptoms of cataract are not bothering you very much, surgery may not be needed. Sometimes a simple change in your eyeglass prescription may be helpful. There are no medications, dietary supplements or exercises that have been shown to prevent or cure cataracts.

Protection from excessive sunlight may help slow the progression of cataracts. Sunglasses that screen out ultraviolet (UV) light rays or regular eyeglasses with a clear, anti-UV coating offer this protection.

Misconceptions and Symptoms
There are many misconceptions about cataract.
Cataract is not:

• a film over the eye;
• caused by overusing the eyes;
• spread from one eye to the other;
• a cause of irreversible blindness.

Common symptoms of cataract include:

• a painless blurring of vision;
• glare, or light sensitivity;
• poor night vision;
• double vision in one eye;
• needing brighter light to read;
• fading or yellowing of color.

Conclusion
Cataracts are a common cause of decreased vision, particularly for the elderly, but they are treatable. The physicians at Eye Surgical Associates can tell you whether cataract or some other problem is the cause of your vision loss and can help you decide if cataract surgery is appropriate for you.