Infection, drugs, chemical or physical injury to the eye and exposure to intense heat or radiation can cause cataracts. Cataracts typically occur with advancing age, but can occur at birth. The specific causes of cataracts are uncertain. Blurred vision is an early symptom of cataracts. A brighter light may be required for reading.
Glare can cause hazy vision particularly on bright sunny days.
A person with cataracts may have to hold reading material closer than usual and may experience double vision especially when looking at lights. Frequent changing of eyeglasses may indicate that a cataract is developing. Surgery is the only treatment for cataracts at this time. During surgery the clouded lens is removed by an ophthalmologist and replaced with a plastic lens implant. This avoids the need to wear strong glasses or contact lenses.