A cataract is a clouding of the eye’s natural lens that gradually reduces the clarity of vision. Most cataracts develop with age, but they can also follow injury, inflammation or certain medications.
How cataracts affect vision
People often notice blurred or hazy sight, glare from lights and fading of colours. Reading, driving and recognising faces can become more difficult as the lens becomes more opaque.
- Usually develops in both eyes but not always at the same speed
- Stronger glasses may help for a time but cannot clear the lens itself
- Cataracts do not spread from one eye to the other
- Surgery replaces the cloudy lens with a clear intraocular lens
Further information
Treatment options are described on the main cataract surgery page for Blue Fin Vision®. Symptoms and timing of surgery are explored in the blog what is a cataract?.
