A cataract is a clouding of the eye's naturally clear lens.
The eye may become frosted or yellowed. Cataracts are a common cause of vision loss, especially in aging patients, but they are treatable.
Common symptoms of cataract include:
- A painless blurring of vision
- Light sensitivity
- Poor night vision
- Double vision in one eye
- Needing a brighter light to read
- Colors looking faded or yellow
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The cloudiness and pattern of a cataract can vary. If the cloudiness is to the side of the eye’s field of vision, it can be hard to detect the presence of cataracts. The speed with which a cataract develops will vary depending on the individual, and even between two eyes in the same individual. Age-related cataracts typically appear gradually over several years. In young or diabetic people, however, cataracts may progress rapidly in a short time. It is impossible to predict from person to person how fast cataracts will actually develop.
By performing a thorough eye examination, your ophthalmologist can detect the presence of a cataract. A careful exam will also rule out any other conditions |