Cataracts are the cause of half of all blindness and 33% of visual impairment worldwide.
A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye leading to a decrease in vision. Cataracts can impact just one eye or both eyes and can develop slowly over time. Although some children are born with cataracts, it is most commonly seen in older adults (and older animals).
Symptoms of cataracts include blurry vision, halos around lights, problems with seeing or driving at night, seeing colors in muted or faded tones and problems with bright lighting.
Possible causes or risk factors of cataracts include:
- Diabetes
- Trauma
- Aging
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Complications from other eye diseases, such as glaucoma
- Poisoning
- Steroid use
- Smoking and excessive drinking of alcohol
- Exposure to sunlight
- Family history of cataracts
If you notice problems with your vision or think you may be developing cataracts, please contact Harvard Eye Associates in Laguna Hills at 949-951-2020 or harvardeye.com for a cataract surgery consultation. Bring along a list of any medications you may taking.
