Causes The lens clouds naturally as we age, so people over age 65 usually see a gradual reduction of vision. Cataracts can also be caused by complications of other diseases such as diabetes and glaucoma, and by side effects of certain medications such as steroids, infection, trauma or hereditary disorders. Top Symptoms Common symptoms of cataracts include hazy or blurred vision, increased glare from bright lights or sunlight, seeing halos around lights, light sensitivity, night vision difficulty, double vision in one eye or temporarily improved near vision. When cataracts become visually significant and glasses no longer provide satisfactory vision, surgery is the only option to restore vision. Modern cataract surgery is a highly successful operation that is done on an outpatient basis.
Phacoemulsification is one technique to remove cataracts using ultrasound to dissolve the cataract.
The cloudy lens is then replaced with a synthetic lens called an implant which lasts for life. Cataracts are not removed with laser, a common misperception. Ask your doctor to discuss the risks, benefits and alternatives to surgery. Remember that cataracts cannot be prevented, simply due to the lens changes as the body ages. Heavy exposure to UV rays may hasten visual loss from cataracts.