What are cataracts?
A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of your eye. Cataracts are very common as you get older. In fact, more than half of all Americans age 80 or older either have cataracts or have had surgery to get rid of cataracts.
At first, you may not notice that you have a cataract. But over time, cataracts can make your vision blurry, hazy, or less colorful. You may have trouble reading or doing other everyday activities.
The good news is that surgery can get rid of cataracts. Cataract surgery is safe and corrects vision problems caused by cataracts.
A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of your eye. Cataracts are very common as you get older. In fact, more than half of all Americans age 80 or older either have cataracts or have had surgery to get rid of cataracts.
At first, you may not notice that you have a cataract. But over time, cataracts can make your vision blurry, hazy, or less colorful. You may have trouble reading or doing other everyday activities.
The good news is that surgery can get rid of cataracts. Cataract surgery is safe and corrects vision problems caused by cataracts.
At a glance: Cataracts
- Early Symptoms: None
- Later Symptoms: Blurry vision, colors that seem faded, sensitivity to light, trouble seeing at night, double vision
- Diagnosis: Dilated eye exam
- Treatment: Surgery
EPOC thanks the National Eye Institute Media Library for the use of this video.
EPOC thanks the National Eye Institute Media Library for the use of this video.
