A cataract is a clouding or darkening that develops in the normally clear lens of the eye. This prevents the lens from properly focusing light on the retina, resulting in a loss of vision described by many people as a “film over the eye”. It is often thought of as a part of the natural aging process, but it may also result from heredity, an injury, a side effect from medications, or from a disease.

Cataracts are most often found in persons over 55, but are also occasionally found in younger persons, even newborns. It usually develops in both eyes, but often at different rates. Some cataracts develop slowly over a period of years while other forms develop rapidly within a few months. Common symptoms are double vision, a gradual loss of color, a stage where it is easier to see without glasses (a secondary sight), or an increase need for more light to see clearly. Symptoms may vary from person to person depending on its development. Consult with your Optometrist if you are noticing changes such as these to your vision. Ultimately, if your cataract impairs your daily activities, surgery may be an option for treatment. Technology has made cataract surgery relatively uncomplicated and has a 95% success rate.