What Are Cataracts?
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens—the clear structure behind the iris that helps focus light. As the lens becomes cloudy, vision becomes blurry, hazy, or less vibrant. Cataracts are very common and a normal part of aging. Most people will develop them to some degree as they get older.
Cataracts usually start slowly and worsen over time, affecting daily activities like reading, driving, and seeing in low light.
What Causes Cataracts?
Cataracts form when proteins in the eye’s lens break down and clump together. The most common cause is aging, but other factors can increase the risk:
Common Symptoms
Cataracts can develop without pain or redness. Patients often notice:
What Is Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful procedures performed today.
During surgery:
Lens Options (IOLs)
Patients can choose from several lens types:
A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens—the clear structure behind the iris that helps focus light. As the lens becomes cloudy, vision becomes blurry, hazy, or less vibrant. Cataracts are very common and a normal part of aging. Most people will develop them to some degree as they get older.
Cataracts usually start slowly and worsen over time, affecting daily activities like reading, driving, and seeing in low light.
What Causes Cataracts?
Cataracts form when proteins in the eye’s lens break down and clump together. The most common cause is aging, but other factors can increase the risk:
- UV sunlight exposure
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- Previous eye injury or surgery
- Long-term steroid use
- Family history
Common Symptoms
Cataracts can develop without pain or redness. Patients often notice:
- Blurry or foggy vision
- Glare or halos, especially from headlights at night
- Poor night vision
- Faded or yellowed colors
- Frequent changes in glasses prescription
- Difficulty reading or seeing small details
What Is Cataract Surgery?
Cataract surgery is one of the safest and most successful procedures performed today.
During surgery:
- The cloudy lens is gently removed.
- It is replaced with a clear artificial lens (IOL) that restores focus.
- Most procedures take about 10–15 minutes.
- Recovery is quick, with many patients seeing better within days.
Lens Options (IOLs)
Patients can choose from several lens types:
- Standard monofocal lenses – Clear distance vision with glasses needed for near work.
- Toric lenses – Correct astigmatism for sharper vision.
- Multifocal or extended-depth lenses – Reduce dependence on glasses for distance and near tasks.