Total Vision Eyecare

Cataract

A cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens that causes loss of vision. Age-related cataract is the most common type.

Causes
Researchers suspect that there are several causes of cataract, such as smoking and diabetes. Or, it may be that the protein in the lens just changes from the wear and tear it takes over the years. Sunlight and diet have also been linked to early development of cataract.

Cataract and Age
The term "age-related" is a little misleading. You don't have to be a senior citizen to get this type of cataract. People can have an age-related cataract in their 40s and 50s. But during middle age, most cataracts are small and do not effect vision. It is after age 60 that most cataracts steal vision.

Symptoms
A cataract starts out small. It has little effect on vision at first. You may notice that your vision blurs a little, like looking through a cloudy piece of glass. A cataract may make light from the sun or a lamp seem too bright, causing a glare. Or, you may notice when you drive at night that the oncoming headlights cause more glare than before. Also, colors may not appear as bright to you as they once did.

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