What Are Cataracts?
A clear lens in the eye focuses light. This lets the eye see images sharply. With age, the lens slowly becomes cloudy. The cloudy lens is a cataract. A cataract scatters light and makes it hard for the eye to focus. Cataracts often form in both eyes. But one lens may cloud faster than the other.
The Aging of Your Lens
Your lens may cloud so slowly that you don`t notice any vision changes at first. But as the cataract gets worse, the eye has a harder time focusing. In early stages, glasses may help you see better. As the lens gets cloudier, your doctor may recommend surgery to restore your vision.
Publication Source:
Chitkara DK, Colin J, Ophthalmology, 2nd ed., Chapter 37 - Morphology and visual effects of lens opacities of cataract, 2004, pp 280-282
Online Medical Reviewer:
Uhler, Tara, MD
Date Last Reviewed:
6/2/2005
Date Last Modified:
6/2/2005