Cataracts can accompany aging, probably due to changes in the chemical state of lens proteins. About half of Americans ages 65 to 74 have cataracts. About 70 percent of those over 75 have this condition. Traumatic cataracts develop after a foreign body enters the lens capsule with enough force to cause specific damage. Ionizing radiation or infrared rays can also lead to this type of cataract.
Toxic cataracts can result from medicine or chemical toxicity.
Smokers have an increased risk for developing cataracts. Signs and Symptoms Cloudy, fuzzy, foggy or filmy vision Sensitivity to light and glazed nighttime vision. This can cause problems when driving at night because headlights seem too bright. Double vision Pupils which are normally black appear milky white Halos which may appear around lights Changes in the way you see colors Problems with glare from lamps or the sun Better vision for awhile, only in farsighted people. Prevention Limit exposing your eyes to X-rays, microwaves and infrared radiation.