Cataracts

What are Cataracts?

Cataract formation is the process by which the natural lens inside the eye slowly becomes cloudy over time. Rarely, children may be born with genetic form of cataracts.

You may not notice signs or changes in your vision the moment cataracts first start to develop.

However, some changes you may notice include: blurry vision, double vision, sensitivity to light, having trouble seeing well at night, or when you read, and seeing bright colors as faded or yellow instead, glare.

• Age

• Having parents, brothers, sisters, or other family members who have cataracts

• Having certain medical problems, such as diabetes

• Having had an eye injury, eye surgery, or radiation treatments on your upper body

• Having spent a lot of time in the sun, especially without sunglasses that protect your eyes from damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Treatment for Cataracts

Early cataracts are treated by a change in your eyeglass prescription. However, when changing the eyeglass prescription no longer improves your vision and you are unable to see well enough to do the things you need or want to do, then cataract surgery is indicated.