Cataracts

A cataract is a cloudy or opaque area in the normally clear lens of the eye. The clouding of this lens can interfere with normal vision.

Most cataracts develop in people over age 55. However, they can also occur in infants and young children. Systemic conditions, such as diabetes, may cause cataracts to develop at an earlier age.

Early symptoms of cataracts include blurred vision, glare, and difficulty reading. Cataracts generally progress very slowly, and surgery may not be needed for many years upon diagnosis. In some cases, changing your eyeglass or contact lens prescription may continue to provide you with good vision. When this is no longer the case, it may be time to discuss cataract surgery.

Wearing sunglasses may help to slow the progression of cataracts, but there’s no way to prevent cataract development. Currently, the only way to treat cataracts is to surgically remove the natural lens of the eye.

Learn more about cataract surgery here