The lens inside the eye is normally transparent and clear when we are born. It normally retains this clarity for about the first two-thirds of our lives. 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.