Cataract

A cataract is a milky, opaque eye lens. Usually, a cataract worsens over time which makes it challenging to perform daily activities. Even though eyeglasses and adequate lighting provide temporary relief from cataracts, when the condition progresses, cataract surgery becomes necessary.

Causes

Ageing is the primary cause of a cataract. There are other causes such as trauma and diabetes.

The eye lens rests behind the iris and redirects light to produce sharp pictures on the retina, a membrane which acts like the film of a camera. As we age, the lens becomes less flexible, becomes cloudy, and thickens. The hazy lens is called a cataract. Once the cataract progresses, the clouding increases and light cannot reach the retina.

Symptoms

Common cataract symptoms include

• Blurry or cloudy vision
• Sensitivity to bright light
• Double vision in one eye
• Faded colours
• Difficulty with night vision