Symptoms of cataracts

By Metro Creative

A cataract is a clouding of the naturally transparent lens of the eye that can occur as one ages. Natural proteins in the lens clump together and can cloud the eye.

The National Eye Institute says most cataracts develop with age, as more than half of all Americans age 80 or older either have cataracts or have had surgery to remove them. But cataracts can occur for other reasons, such as after an eye injury or after surgery for another vision problem.

The American Academy of Opthalmology says cataracts can make it seem like a person is looking through a foggy or dusty car windshield. Everything is hazy, blurry or less colorful. Additional vision changes associated with cataracts include extra light sensitivity; seeing bright colors as faded or yellowed; seeing double or a ghosted image; and difficulty seeing at night.

Using brighter lights at home or getting a new eyeglasses prescription can help manage cataracts in their early stages. An eye doctor may suggest surgery if cataracts are getting in the way of daily activities. Surgery removes the clouded lens and replaces it with a new, artificial lens.

— Metro Creative