What is a Cataract?

The human lens focuses light from objects onto your retina and at a young age, it is typically clear. As the lens matures, cloudy imperfections, or cataracts, may develop in the lens. These cataracts obstruct the incoming light rays. Cataracts are common as we age, and as with any condition, a wide variation in degree of severity exists. While typically age-related, cataracts can occur in younger individuals who have been exposed to certain medications, are diabetic or due to genetic influences.

In the early stages of cataract, one may perceive a glare or limited loss of clarity in certain visually stressful situations. However, as the cataract matures, the loss of vision becomes increasingly prevalent and problematic.