What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a condition where the natural lens inside the eye becomes cloudy. Normally, this lens is clear and helps focus light onto the retina for sharp vision. When a cataract forms, the lens loses its clarity, causing vision to become blurry, hazy, or dim—almost like looking through frosted glass. This change can make everyday tasks such as reading, driving at night, or recognizing faces more difficult.

Cataracts usually develop slowly, often without noticeable symptoms at first. Over time, however, the clouding worsens and begins to affect daily life. While brighter lighting or stronger glasses may help in the early stages, surgery is often needed once vision loss interferes with normal activities. Cataract surgery today is considered one of the safest and most effective procedures in eye care.

Common Symptoms

Cataracts can cause a variety of vision changes, such as:

• Blurry, cloudy, or dim vision

• Poor vision at night or in low light

• Increased sensitivity to light and glare

• Needing brighter light to read or work on close tasks

• Seeing halos around lights

• Frequent prescription changes in glasses or contact lenses

• Colors looking faded or yellowed

• Double vision in one eye

Causes of Cataracts

Cataracts often develop due to natural changes in the eye with age, but they can also result from:

• Previous eye injuries or surgeries

• Long-term medical conditions such as diabetes

• Prolonged use of steroid medications

• Genetic or inherited conditions that affect the eyes

How Cataracts Form

The lens of the eye sits just behind the iris and focuses light onto the retina. With age, the lens becomes less flexible, thicker, and less clear. Proteins inside the lens may clump together, creating cloudy spots that block or scatter light. As the cataract grows, vision becomes more blurred and distorted. Cataracts often appear in both eyes, but they may develop at different rates.

Risk Factors

Some factors that can increase the likelihood of cataracts include:

• Aging

• Diabetes

• Long-term sun exposure

• Smoking

• Obesity

• High blood pressure

• Previous eye injuries or inflammation

• Family history of cataracts

• Long-term use of steroids

• Excessive alcohol use

Prevention and Healthy Habits

There is no guaranteed way to completely prevent cataracts, but healthy habits can lower the risk and slow their progression:

• Schedule regular eye exams to detect early changes

• Avoid smoking to protect eye health

• Control medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure

• Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants

• Wear sunglasses that block harmful UV rays

• Limit alcohol intake