Cataracts and Cataract Surgery

When cataracts are mentioned, people often think of a film that grows over their eyes, causing them to see double or blurred images. The truth is though, that a cataract doesn't form on that eye, but instead, inside the eye.

A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens, the part responsible for focusing light and producing a clear, sharp image. The lens is contained within a sealed capsule and as we age, old cells die and become trapped within this capsule, causing the lens to cloud, making images look blurred and fuzzy.

For most people, cataracts are a natural result of aging. In fact, cataracts are the leading cause of visual deterioration in adults (55 years or older).

Eye injuries, certain medication and diseases such as diabetes and alcoholism have also been known to cause cataracts. Some of the first symptoms that cataract patients experience is excessive glare, haloes around lights and increased sensitivity to sunlight.

Cataracts make driving at night very difficult. In fact, any activity that requires good vision can be hampered or severely limited by cataracts.