What exactly is a cataract?

Cataracts develop due to a build up of protein in the eye that damage the eye lens.

A cataract is a cloudiness of the eye's natural lens that lies between the front and back areas of the eye. The lens of the eye is responsible for focusing light backwards to the retina and producing clear, sharp images.

When a cataract develops light scatters as it enters the eye and vision blurs.  As a cataract develops, the symptoms of a cataract progress and it vision deteriorates.

For more information, see the Understanding Cataracts guide

Other FAQs

• What happens after cataract eye surgery?
• Can problems develop after cataract surgery?
• What happens during cataract eye surgery?
• How is a cataract diagnosed?
• What are the symptoms of a cataract?
• How much does cataract surgery cost?
• What are possible side effects of cataract surgery?
• What can I do to protect my vision?
• Are cataracts found only in older people?
• Is cataract surgery serious?
• When will I be able to resume normal activities?
• How often do I need to have my eyes checked after eye surgery?
• Will I need to have cataract surgery again?
• Am I at risk for developing cataracts?
• Is cataract surgery covered by insurance?
• What is a Multifocal IOL?
• What is a Monofocal IOL?
• What is an IOL?
• Monofocal vs. Multifocal
• NHS or private cataract extraction?
• What is a congenital cataract?
• Will I develop a cataract if I have diabetes?
• How will diabetes affect my cataract extraction surgery?
• Will cataracts make me blind?
• How quickly do cataracts develop?
• Does computer use cause cataracts?
• Can cataracts be removed with laser?
• Can a cataract return?
• Do I need glasses after cataract extraction?
• Do congenital cataracts in children need removing?

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