What is a cataract?

    Cataracts are a deterioration of the natural lens due to age, causing it to become progressively cloudy, milky, yellowish or brownish in color. The light passing through to the retina is partially blocked and this results in an unclear image. Left untreated, a cataract can become so dense that it causes blindness. In fact, cataracts are the leading cause of treatable blindness in the world.

What are the symptoms of a cataract?

    Early symptoms are painless and can start with slightly blurred vision or foggy image in the eyes which interfere with normal activities such as driving and reading. The blurry vision can worsen in bright light and improve in dim lighting. In some cases, headlights from cars at night can cause scattered light, halos, and double vision.
    If the cataract is left untreated for too long, eye pain, acute glaucoma, or uveitis can occur, leading to vision loss and possible blindness.