Cataracts Cataracts are one of the four leading causes of visual impairment among older adults in the United States. A cataract alone may cause visual impairment, or it may develop as a complication of other eye diseases such as glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye , which is normally clear.
Light can no longer pass through the lens easily, and vision becomes hazy or blurred.
The amount and pattern of cloudiness varies, and it is possible to be unaware of a cataract's presence if the center of the lens is not clouded. National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health How quickly a cataract develops varies among individuals. Most cataracts associated with aging develop gradually over a period of years. Cataracts that develop in younger people, or those with diabetes, may progress more rapidly. A comprehensive examination by an eye care physician can detect the presence and extent of a cataract, as well as determine whether any other visual problems exist.