Almost everyone will develop cataract formations as they grow older. In fact, more than half of the people over the age of 60 suffer from cataracts that can occur at different rates, and can affect one or both eyes.

A cataract is the progressive clouding of the eye’s natural lens. It is caused by the aging process as well as other factors that cause proteins in the eye’s lens to join together and form cloudy areas. During the earliest stages, cataracts may not affect vision, but over time, cataracts typically result in blurred or fuzzy vision, loss of color saturation, sensitivity to light and an overall loss of quality of vision.

Symptoms of Cataracts

• Decreasing vision with age
• Blurred or double vision
• Seeing halos around bright lights
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Vision that worsens in sunlight
• Difficulty distinguishing colors
• Poor depth perception
• Frequent prescription changes for glasses
• Difficulty reading

Are You at Risk?

You are at risk for cataracts if you are over the age of 60, have suffered from eye trauma, have diabetes, glaucoma, or certain metabolic conditions. You are also at risk for cataracts if others in your family have them, if you have taken certain medications (including the long-term use of steroids), or have been exposed to ultraviolet radiation.

Diagnosing Cataracts

The doctors and surgeons at Kleiman Evangelista Eye Center can perform a contrast sensitivity test to determine how much your vision has been affected by a cataract. However, when decreased vision affects your everyday activities or hobbies, a cataract should be treated.