What is a Cataract?

a Cataract is a clouding of the natural lens in the eye that affects vision. Imagine the eye’s lens as a clear window that focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye, allowing us to see sharp and clear images. However, over time, this lens can become cloudy, much like a foggy or frosted window. This cloudiness is what we refer to as a cataract. As the cataract develops, it gradually obstructs the passage of light, causing vision to become blurry.

Clouded vision caused by cataracts can make it more difficult to read, drive a car at night or see the expression on a friend’s face. At first, the cloudiness in your vision caused by a cataract may affect only a small part of the eye’s lens. You may not notice any vision loss. As the cataract grows larger, it clouds more of your lens.

Cataracts are a common part of aging and can develop slowly over years, often without causing noticeable symptoms at first. Many people may not even realize they have cataracts until they experience a decline in their vision. The clouding of the lens can result from various factors, including age, genetics, exposure to ultraviolet light, or certain medical conditions. Fortunately, cataracts can be effectively treated through surgery, where the cloudy lens is replaced with an artificial one, restoring clear vision for many individuals.