Normally the lens of the eye is clear, allowing focus of images on to the retina. Cataracts occur when the lens becomes less transparent, disrupting the lens function. This clouding of the lens can lead to visual disturbances such as blurry vision, double vision, poor night vision, sensitivity to light and glare, seeing “halos” around lights, and fading or yellowing of colors. Cataracts develop over time so it is possible for the cataract to affect only a small area of vision that can eventually progress to encompass a larger area of vision over time.

Age is the most common cause of cataracts with most people having some clouding of their lens by age 60. Other risk factors include having family members with cataracts, diabetes, eye injury or surgery, and certain medications such as corticosteroids. UV damage is another potential cause of cataracts, so it is important to protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses to screen these UV light rays. If there are any noticeable change in vision, then an eye exam should be scheduled. When the cataracts become visually and functionally significant, a surgery can be performed. In surgery, the cataract is removed and a new, clear artificial lens is put in place. This is an outpatient procedure that is generally safe, but does care a risk of infection and bleeding.

For more information, please see the following link:

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-are-cataracts