A cataract is the clouding of the lens of the eye. The lens is located behind the iris (colored part of the eye). It is clear, soft, and flexible when we are young. This flexibility allows it to change shape to help us to focus for near vision. As we age, the lens stiffens and hardens and cannot change shape as well to focus up close. This is called presbyopia. To cope with this blurry near vision, we wear readers or use bifocals.

As we continue to age, the lens continues to harden and then it starts to become cloudy and we call it a ‘cataract’. The cloudiness prevents light from being properly focused on the retina. Cataracts are a normal part of aging. Most people will develop cataracts if they live long enough.

In the early stages, cataracts may not disturb vision. We can improve the vision with updated eyeglasses prescriptions. Cataracts slowly worsen with time and eventually result in blurry vision, difficulty reading, and driving at night. They may cause sensitivity to light and glare. With time we are no longer able to improve vision with a new glasses prescription. When they bother the patient with their daily function, cataract surgery may be indicated. If they continue to become very advanced cataracts, the vision becomes even more blurry until it may appear as if one is looking through waxed paper.