What are Cataracts?

Cataract is clouding of the crystalline lens of the eye or in its envelope. This condition can range from simple to severe (opacity of the lens). This will result in obstruction of the passage of light to the retina causing blurry image and decrease in the visual acuity.

Inside the eye, there is a natural lens. The lens bends (refracts) light rays that come into the eye to help us see. The lens should be clear. An eye that has Cataract, the lens lens has become cloudy. It is like looking through a foggy or dusty car windshield. Things look blurry, hazy or less colorful with a cataract.

Early in the development of age-related cataract the power of the lens may be increased, causing near-sightedness or myopia, and the gradual yellowing and opacification of the lens may reduce the perception of blue colors. Cataracts typically progress slowly to cause vision loss and are potentially blinding if untreated. The condition usually affects both the eyes, but almost always one eye is affected earlier than the other.

Cataract symptom progression

Having blurry vision

Seeing double (when you see two images instead of one)

Being extra sensitive to light

Having trouble seeing well at night, or needing more light when you read

Seeing bright colors as faded or yellow instead

Causes:
Age related, congenital, secondary( e.g, drug- corticosteroids), traumatic.

Classification:
Anterior (cortical,polar,sub-capsular), Nuclear, Posterior(Polar, cortical).

Treatment:

Read more about Cataract Surgery