Cataract Evaluation

A cataract is a cloudy or opaque area in the normally clear lens of the eye. Depending on its size and location, it can interfere with normal vision. Most cataracts develop in persons over age 55, but they occasionally occur in infants and young children. Usually people develop cataracts in both eyes, but one eye may have somewhat worse vision than the other. The lens is located inside the eye behind the iris, the colored part of the eye. It works like a camera lens to focus light on the back of the eye, the retina. The lens is made of mostly proteins and water. Clouding of the lens occurs due to changes in the proteins and lens fibers. Symptoms of a cataract may include: blurred or hazy vision, colors may not appear as bright, increased sensitivity to glare from lights, particularly when driving at night, seeing multiple images, difficulty seeing at night, and in some cases temporary improvement in near vision. Cataracts can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination.