A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens
of your eye. Looking through a cloudy lens is like trying
to see through a frosty or fogged-up window. Clouded vision
can make it more difficult to read or drive a car — especially
at night. Cataracts commonly affect distance vision and cause
problems with glare (headlights). They generally don't cause
discomfort or pain. Watch a video to get a description of a cataract.
Normal Eye
Cataract Eye
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Clouding of the lens is a normal part of the aging eye.
About half of Americans older than 65 have some degree
of cataract. After age 75, as many as 70 percent of Americans
have cataracts that are significant enough to impair their
vision.
Most cataracts develop slowly and don't disturb your eyesight
early on. As the clouding progresses, the cataract eventually
interferes with your vision.
In the early stages, stronger lighting and eyeglasses can
help you deal with the vision problems. At some point, if
impaired vision jeopardizes your normal lifestyle, you might
need surgery. Fortunately, cataract surgery
is one of the
safest, most effective and most common surgical procedures.
Complications after cataract surgery
rarely occur. If there
are complications they are usually completely treatable.