A cataract is a gradual clouding of the eye's natural crystalline lens. The lens assists with focusing light rays onto the retina, which communicates images to the brain. After the cataract starts to cloud the lens, the vision changes. In the beginning, these changes can be corrected with a change in glasses; when a change in glasses no longer helps, then removal of the cataract can improve the vision. Things that can worsen cataracts include cigarette smoking, diabetes, and prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Most cataract patients with early cataracts are unaware that they have them; the common complaints are dullness of colors, glare, and problems with night driving. Cataracts will gradually limit a persons ability to perform simple and basic tasks such as reading, driving, seeing road signs and even exercising.
