What is a Cataract?

A cataract is a natural part of aging that causes the clear lens inside your eye to become cloudy. As the lens loses its clarity, vision gradually becomes blurred and everyday activities can become more difficult.

CATARACT VISION

CLEAR VISION

The slider above provides a simple illustration of how cataracts can affect vision. As the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, vision may appear blurred or hazy, with reduced clarity and contrast. Move the slider to compare clear vision with a representation of vision affected by cataracts.

COMMON SYMPTOMS

How Can Cataracts Affect Your Vision?

Cataracts usually develop gradually, and changes in your vision may become more noticeable over time. You may experience:

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Blurry or cloudy vision

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Increased glare from lights

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Difficulty driving at night

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Colours appearing dull or faded

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Frequent changes in your glasses prescription

CAUSES OF CATARACTS

Why Do Cataracts Develop?

Although cataracts most commonly develop with age, they can also occur following:

Eye injuries
Long-term UV exposure
Steroid medications
Previous eye surgery

CATARACT TREATMENT

How is a Cataract Treated?

The only effective treatment for a cataract is cataract surgery. During surgery, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens, called an intraocular lens (IOL).

Preparing Your Eye

You remain awake during the procedure while your eye is comfortably numbed.

Replacing the Cloudy Lens

The cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with a clear artificial lens (IOL).

A Short Procedure

Cataract surgery typically takes approximately 10 minutes.

Returning Home

Cataract surgery is an outpatient procedure, allowing you to return home the same day. Vision typically begins to improve within several days.

CATARACT PATIENT INFORMATION

Learn More About Cataract Surgery

Watch our patient information video, then explore the other topics in our cataract surgery series.