A cataract is a cloudy or opaque area (an area you cannot see through) in the lens of the eye.

Causes

• Old age -- causes most cases

• Intrauterine infections

• Genetic disease

• Corticosteroid medications

• Eye trauma

• Diabetes

• Uveitis (an eye disease)

• Cigarette smoking

• Heavy alcohol Consumption

• Cloudy, fuzzy, foggy, or filmy vision

• Loss of color intensity

• Frequent changes in eyeglass prescription

• The glare from bright lights causes vision problems at night, especially while driving

• Sensitivity to glare from lamps or the sun

• Halos around lights

• Double vision in one eye

• Decreased contrast sensitivity (the ability to see shades, or shapes against a background)

Screening and Diagnostics

• Standard ophthalmic exam, including slit lamp examination

• Ultrasonography of the eye in preparation for cataract surgery

     Other tests that may be done (rarely) include:

• Glare test

• Contrast sensitivity test

• Potential vision test

• Specular microscopy of the cornea in preparation for cataract surgery

Treatment

• Surgical cataract removal with lens replacement

Prognosis

     For most people, cataract surgery has a low risk of complications. With implanted artificial lenses, most people no longer need corrective lenses for distance vision. Glasses are usually necessary for reading.

     Vision may not improve to 20/20 after cataract surgery if other eye diseases, such as macular degeneration, are present. Ophthalmologists can usually, but not always, determine this in advance.

     In infants, amblyopia and decreased visual development may occur as a result of cataracts. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential.

Prevention

     The best prevention involves controlling diseases that increase the risk of a cataract, and avoiding exposure to factors known to promote cataract formation.