A cataract is a clouding of the internal lens of the eye that leads to a decrease in vision. As the lens becomes cloudier, vision becomes blurry and distorted. People with cataracts commonly experience difficulty in appreciating colors and changes in contrast, driving, reading, recognizing faces, and coping with glare from bright lights. Common risk factors for developing cataracts are including, aging, medications, eye trauma and surgeries, smoking, and unprotected excessive sunlight exposure.
Most people will have a slight cataract in one or both eyes by age 60. Most cataracts progress slowly over 5-15 years. An annual eye exam is recommended for people over age 60 to measure eyesight and evaluate overall eye health.
If you have questions regarding cataracts, call our office or ask Dr. Portz and Dr. Wade at your next appointment.