The lens allows light through the eye, so a cataract can keep images from entering the eye. There are different types of age-related cataracts, having to do with the location of opacity on the lens. A cataract will not spread from one eye to the other, so it is possible to have one or both eyes effected. Is the most common cause of blindness in the United States. Over a million cataract surgeries are performed each year.
Most cataracts form slowly with gradual vision loss over the course of months or even years.
The main complaint of patients with a significant cataract is blurred vision or glare from bright lights. Cataract formation on the lens can be detected during an slit lamp examination so be sure to see an eye care professional regularly. Increasing the amount of light in your home and using magnifying glasses may help with small amounts of vision loss. If this is not sufficient, surgery can be preformed. Outpatient surgery is preformed when vision is impaired to the extent that it interferes with daily activities.