What is cataract?

crysta · Silver Member Joined: 26 May 2000 Posts: 284

My grandfather is 72 and he was diagnosed with cataract. Can someone tell me more about this condition? Is it dangerous and will he lose his sight? Can it be treated?

eastep · Newbie Joined: 11 Mar 2005 Posts: 13

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye that affects vision and most are related to aging. Cataracts are very common in older people. A cataract can occur in one or both eyes and it can not spread from one eye to the other. The lens is a clear part of the eye. The lens helps to focus light or an image on the retina. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The risk of cataract increases as you get older and other risk factors for cataract include certain diseases, smoking, alcohol use and others. The most common symptoms of a cataract are: cloudy or blurry vision, colors seem faded, poor night vision, double vision or multiple images in one eye etc. A cataract needs to be removed only when vision loss interferes with everyday activities. The symptoms of early cataract may be improved with new eyeglasses, anti-glare sunglasses, brighter lighting or magnifying lenses. Cataract removal is one of the most common operations and it is also one of the safest and most effective types of surgery.

What is cataract?

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