Eye Diseases and Conditions

Cataract is a condition that causes clouding of the lens in the eye. Cataracts are very common in people over the age of 80. Cataracts form when protein from the lens clumps together and makes the lens cloudy, or or the lens can change to a yellow/brown color. This cloudiness can affect vision by reducing sharpness of an image. Old age, trauma to the eye, diabetes, smoking, alcohol use, and excess UV sun exposure all increase the risk of cataracts.

Other than experiencing cloudy vision, cataracts may cause glare, difficulty seeing at night, double vision, and frequent alterations to prescriptions for eyeglasses or contact lenses. Colors may appear faded. The only cure for cataracts is surgery. Other supportive measures, including stronger eyeglasses, magnifying lenses, and anti-glare sunglasses, can help one manage the condition until cataracts interfere with the ability to drive or do other necessary everyday activities. In these cases, surgery is necessary to improve and restore vision.