Cataracts can be best described as clouding of the natural lens of the eye. The lens is responsible for focusing light and producing clear, sharp images on the retina. Just as a dirty camera lens spoils an otherwise clear picture, when the natural lens in the eye becomes clouded by cataract, vision is impaired and may not improve with glasses.

Usually occurring as a natural part of aging, cataract is the leading cause of vision loss among adults 55 years of age and older. However, even young adults and children can suffer from them.

The development of cataract will vary from one person to another, but as a general rule, most cataract develop slowly. The most common signs of cataract development are blurred vision and sensitivity to light. These symptoms often cause difficulty reading a small print and difficulty with night driving.