This can cause a decrease in vision, and can indicate the development of cataracts. Patients often notice cataracts first as a haze around lights at night. Because cataracts often take on a yellowish hue, they often alter color vision. Cataracts can be likened to looking out a dirty window. Cataracts are a localized process - that is, the tissues behind and in front of the cataract are unharmed by it.
Cataract surgery becomes necessary when cataracts adversely affect daily activities.
Cataracts are very common, and affect most people over the age of 65. Cataracts are slow growing, so after someone is first diagnosed with early cataracts, they can usually expect to need cataract surgery within ten years. Cataract surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, with topical or local anesthesia. The procedure itself lasts from 8 to 45 minutes. It then takes about 1 to 2 weeks to recover fully.