Many people think that a  cataract is a skin or a layer of tissue that grows over the eye. A cataract is the clouding of a part of the eye called the lens. Vision becomes blurred or dim because light cannot pass through the clouded lens. Over half of those over 60 have some cataract development and most cases can be treated successfully with surgery.

Where is the lens?

The lens is a transparent body that lies behind the iris, the coloured part of the eye. Its main function is to focus light onto the retina.

What causes a cataract?

In most cases, it is a degenerative change of the lens (an ageing process) as people get older. Until today, there is no medication or diet that effectively slows down or stops the development of cataract. The best solution to this problem is still surgery.

What are the symptoms?

	Blurred vision (glaring)
	Change of colour vision
	Double vision
	Increases in spectacle power

See Also