• My Dashboard My Education Find an Ophthalmologist
  • Home
  • For Ophthalmologists
    • Meetings
      • AAO 2021
        • Meeting Information
          • Past and Future Meetings
          • Contact Information
          • Virtual Meeting Guide
          • Policies and Disclaimers
        • Program
          • Program Search
          • Program Highlights
          • Program Committees
          • CME
          • Meeting Archives
        • Expo
        • Registration
        • Hotels & Travel
          • Hotel Reservation Information
          • New Orleans
          • International Attendees
          • Hotel Meeting Space
        • Presenter Central
          • Presenter Central
          • Abstract Selection Process
          • Submission Policies
          • Subject Classification/Topics
          • Instruction Courses and Skills Transfer Labs
          • Papers and Posters
          • Videos
          • Grand Rounds Symposium
          • Program Participant and Faculty Guidelines
          • Faculty Development Program
        • Exhibitors
          • Exhibitor Central
          • Exhibitor Portal Information
          • New Exhibiting Companies
          • Exhibitor Resources
      • Mid-Year Forum
        • Registration and Travel
        • Congressional Advocacy Day
        • Advocacy Ambassador Program
        • Program
        • Schedule
        • Sponsored Attendees
        • News
      • Ophthalmology Business Summit
      • Codequest
        • Codequest Instructors
        • Claim Codequest CME or CEU Credit
      • Eyecelerator
    • Clinical Education
      • COVID-19
      • Education
        • Browse All Education
        • Courses
        • Cases
        • Learning Plans
        • Interactive
        • Focal Points
        • Wills Eye Manual
        • Disease Reviews
        • Clinical Webinars
        • Diagnose This
        • Self-Assessments
        • Educational Centers
          • Glaucoma Education Center
          • Pediatric Ophthalmology Education Center
          • Laser Surgery Education Center
          • Myopia Resources
          • Oculofacial Plastic Surgery Center
          • Redmond Ethics Center
      • Journals
      • Guidelines
        • Browse All Practice Guidelines
        • Preferred Practice Patterns
        • Clinical Statements
        • Compendium Guidelines
        • Complementary Therapy Assessments
        • Medical Information Technology
        • Ophthalmic Technology Assessments
        • Patient Safety Statements
        • Choosing Wisely
        • Low Vision
        • Eye Care for Older Adults
        • Eye Disease Statistics
        • About the Hoskins Center
      • Multimedia Library
        • Browse All Videos and Audio
        • Clinical and Surgical Videos
        • Presentations and Lectures
        • 1-Minute Videos
        • Master Class Videos
        • Basic Skills Videos
        • Interviews
        • Audio and Podcasts
        • Images
        • Submit an Image
        • Submit a Video
      • News
        • Browse All Clinical News
        • Editors' Choice
        • Headlines
        • Current Insight
      • CME Central
        • Browse All CME Activities
        • Claim CME Credit and View Transcript
        • CME Planning Resources
        • Complete Your Financial Disclosure
        • Joint Sponsorship Portal
        • LEO Continuing Education Recognition Award
        • Safe ER/LA Opioid Prescribing
        • Check Your Industry Payment Records
      • MOC
      • Resident Education
        • All Resident Education
        • OKAP and Board Exam Resources
          • OKAP Exam
          • Board Prep Resources
          • OKAP and Board Review Presentations
          • Study Flashcards
        • Resident Courses
        • Resident Videos
        • Cataract Master
        • Simulation in Resident Education
        • Pediatric Ophthalmology Education Center
        • News and Advice from YO Info
    • Membership
      • Join
      • Renew
      • Current Member
      • Volunteer
      • Physician Wellness
      • Member Directory
      • Member Obituaries
      • AAOE Membership
    • Advocacy
      • Advocacy News
      • Get Involved
        • Ways to Give
        • How to Get Involved
        • Congressional Advocacy
        • Support the Academy's Agenda
        • Research Legislation
        • Find Your Legislators
        • I Am an Advocate
        • Advocacy at Home
        • Advocate Tools
        • Best Practices for Advocating at Home
        • Social Media Toolkit
        • Letter to Editor
        • Town Hall Guide
        • Guide to Engaging With New Lawmakers
        • Resources
        • Attending a Political Fundraiser
      • OPHTHPAC
        • About Us
        • Join OPHTHPAC
        • OPHTHPAC Blog
      • Surgical Scope Fund
        • Support Surgery By Surgeons
        • Surgery By Surgeons Blog
    • Publications
      • EyeNet Magazine
        • Latest Issue
        • Archive
        • Subscribe
        • Advertise
        • Write For Us
        • Corporate Lunches
        • Contact
        • MIPS 2019
        • MIPS 2020
      • Focal Points
      • Ophthalmology
      • Ophthalmology Glaucoma
      • Ophthalmology Retina
      • YO Info
      • Scope
    • Subspecialties
      • Cataract/Anterior Segment
      • Comprehensive Ophthalmology
      • Cornea/External Disease
      • Glaucoma
      • Neuro-Ophthalmology/Orbit
      • Ocular Pathology/Oncology
      • Oculoplastics/Orbit
      • Pediatric Ophthalmology/Strabismus
      • Refractive Management/Intervention
      • Retina/Vitreous
      • Uveitis
    • IRIS Registry
      • About
      • Using the Registry
        • User Guide
        • Medicare Reporting
        • Maintenance of Certification
        • Non-EHR Reporting
      • Sign Up
        • Application Process
        • Why Participate
        • Once You've Applied: Getting Started
        • What Practices Are Saying About the Registry
      • Requirements
        • EHR Systems
        • Data & Technical Needs
      • Research
      • Registry Dashboard
      • News
    • Medicare Information
  • For Practice Management
    • Coding
      • Codequest
      • Ask the Coding Experts
      • Coding Updates and Resources
      • Coding for Injectable Drugs
      • ICD-10-CM
        • News and Advice
      • Ophthalmic Coding Specialist (OCS) Exam
    • Regulatory
      • Medicare Participation Options
      • Audits
      • Medicare Advantage Plans
        • Termination Appeal Letter
      • New Medicare Card
      • Provider Enrollment, Chain and Ownership System (PECOS)
      • HIPAA Resources
    • Practice Operations
      • Practice Management Advice
      • Lean Management
      • Cybersecurity
      • Private Equity
      • EHRs
        • Overview
        • Planning and Preparation
        • Vendor Selection
        • Implementation and Evaluation
        • Patient Portals
        • Resources
        • Ratings
    • Events
      • Annual Meeting
      • Business Summit
      • Codequest Courses
    • Leadership
      • AAOE Board of Directors
      • Leadership Program (OPAL)
    • Listservs
    • Resources
      • Practice Management Resource Library
      • Coronavirus Resources
      • Patient Education
      • Practice Forms Library
        • Practice Forms Library - Examination
        • Practice Forms Library - Financial
        • Practice Forms Library - HIPAA
        • Practice Forms Library - Human Resources
        • Practice Forms Library - Job Descriptions
        • Practice Forms Library - Patient Forms
        • Practice Forms Library - Protocols
        • Practice Forms Library - Surgery
      • Practice Analytics
        • Benchmarking Tool
        • Salary Survey
      • Consultant Directory
      • Ophthalmology Job Center
      • Practice Management for Retina
      • Reopening and Recovery
    • Get Involved
    • Medicare
      • Quality
        • Overview
        • Reporting
        • Measures
      • Promoting Interoperability
        • Overview
        • Measures
        • Attestation
        • Hardships and Exceptions
        • Audits
        • News and Advice
      • Improvement Activities
        • Overview
        • List of Improvement Activities
        • Attestation
        • Audits
      • Cost
      • Avoid a Penalty
      • Resources
        • 2019 to 2020 MIPS Changes
        • MIPS Solo and Small Practice Survival Guide
        • MIPS Glossary
        • MIPS Resources on EyeNet
        • MIPS Extreme Hardship Exceptions
        • Solo and Small-Practice Roadmap
        • MIPS Manual
        • MIPS Large Practice Roadmap
        • IRIS Registry User Guide
        • CMS Websites
        • 2020 MIPS Payments: Understanding Remittance Advice Codes
        • Final Checklist for EHR/Non-EHR 2019 MIPS Reporting
        • MIPS Tips
        • MIPS Archive
    • Membership
  • For Public & Patients
    • Eye Health A-Z
    • Symptoms
    • Glasses & Contacts
    • Tips & Prevention
    • News
    • Ask an Ophthalmologist
    • Patient Stories
    • No Cost Eye Exams
    • Español
      • A - Z de Salud Ocular
      • Síntomas
      • Anteojos y Lentes de Contacto
      • Consejos y Prevención
      • Noticias
      • Relatos de Pacientes
      • Exámenes de la vista sin costo
      • English
  • AAO 2021
    • Meeting Information
      • Past and Future Meetings
      • Contact Information
      • Virtual Meeting Help
      • Virtual Meeting Guide
      • Policies and Disclaimers
    • Program
      • Program Search
      • Program Highlights
      • Program Committees
      • CME
      • Meeting Archives
    • Expo
    • Registration
    • Hotels & Travel
      • Hotel Reservation Information
      • New Orleans
      • International Attendees
      • Hotel Meeting Space
    • Presenter Central
      • Presenter Central
      • Abstract Selection Process
      • Submission Policies
      • Subject Classification/Topics
      • Instruction Courses and Skills Transfer Labs
      • Papers and Posters
      • Videos
      • Grand Rounds Symposium
      • Program Participant and Faculty Guidelines
      • Faculty Development Program
    • Exhibitors
      • Exhibitor Central
      • Exhibitor Portal Information
      • New Exhibiting Companies
      • Exhibitor Resources
  • About
    • Who We Are
      • What We Do
      • About Ophthalmology
      • The Eye Care Team
      • Ethics and the Academy
      • History
      • Museum of Vision
      • Values
    • Governance
      • Council
      • Board of Trustees
      • Committees
      • Academy Past Presidents
      • Secretariats
      • Elections
      • Academy Blog
      • Academy Staff Leadership
    • Leadership Development
    • Awards
      • Laureate Recognition Award
      • Outstanding Advocate Award
      • Outstanding Humanitarian Service Award
      • International Blindness Prevention Award
      • Distinguished Service Award
      • Guests of Honor
      • Secretariat Award
      • Straatsma Award
      • Achievement Award Program
      • Artemis Award
      • EnergEYES Award
      • International Education Award
      • International Scholar Award
      • Commitment to Advocacy Award
      • Visionary Society Award
    • Financial Relationships
    • Policy Statements
    • Related Organizations
      • Subspecialty/Specialized Interest Society Directory
      • State Society Directory
      • Subspecialty/Specialized Interest Society Meetings
      • State Society Meetings
      • Resources for Societies
    • Year in Review
      • 2019 Year in Review
  • Foundation
    • About
      • Funding Allocations and Sources
      • 2019-2020 Annual Report
      • Annual Report Archives
      • News From the Chair
      • Foundation Staff
    • Our Impact
      • Partners for Sight
      • Donor Spotlights
      • Global Ophthalmic Community
      • Sponsorships
      • Patients and the Public
    • Giving Options
      • Our Supporters
      • Estate and Planned Giving
      • Ophthalmic Business Council
    • Orbital Gala
      • Why Attend
      • Photo Recap
      • Corporate Support Opportunities
      • Tribute Gifts
      • Silent Auction
      • Corporate Sponsors
    • Donate
    • Museum of the Eye Campaign
      • Museum Supporters
  • Museum of the Eye
    • Visit
    • Events
    • Explore
      • Research and Resources
      • Collection Search
      • Previous Exhibits
      • Oral Histories
      • Biographies
    • Volunteer
    • Mailing List
    • Donate
    • About the Museum
      • Museum Blog
  • Young Ophthalmologists
    • YO Info
    • Learn to Bill
    • Engage with the Academy
  • Senior Ophthalmologists
    • Scope
    • Practice Transitions
  • International Ophthalmologists
    • Global Programs and Resources for National Societies
    • Awards
    • Global Outreach
  • Residents
  • Medical Students
×
Log In Create an Account
  • For Ophthalmologists
  • For Practice Management
  • For Public & Patients
  • About
  • Foundation
  • Museum of the Eye
  • Eye Health A-Z
  • Symptoms
  • Glasses & Contacts
  • Tips & Prevention
  • News
  • Ask an Ophthalmologist
  • Patient Stories
  • No-Cost Eye Exams
  • Español
    • For Public & Patients /
    • Eye Health A-Z
  • Cataracts

    Sections
    • What Are Cataracts?
    • Cataract Surgery
    • IOL Implants: Lens Replacement After Cataracts
    • Pediatric Cataracts
    • Traditional Cataract Surgery vs. Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery
    • Choosing a Cataract Surgeon
    • Cataract Vision Simulator
    • What Do Cataracts Look Like?
  • Closeup of a mature or advanced cataract in an older adult's eye

    What Are Cataracts?

    Leer en Español:
    ¿Qué son las cataratas?
    Written By: Kierstan Boyd
    Reviewed By: J Kevin McKinney MD
    Edited By: David Turbert
    Dec. 11, 2020

    A cataract is when your eye's natural lens becomes cloudy. Proteins in your lens break down and cause things to look blurry, hazy or less colorful.

    Inside our eyes, we have a natural lens. The lens bends (refracts) light rays that come into the eye to help us see. The lens should be clear, like the top lens in the illustration.

    Vision Problems with Cataracts

    If you have a cataract, your lens has become cloudy, like the bottom lens in the illustration. It is like looking through a foggy or dusty car windshield. Things look blurry, hazy or less colorful with a cataract.

    The definition of a cataract is a cloudy lens in the eye, whatever the cause may be. Here the cataract lens is compared to a natural clear lens.
    The top lens is a clear, natural lens. The bottom lens shows clouding by cataract.

    Cataracts Symptoms

    Here are some vision changes you may notice if you have a cataract:

    • Having blurry vision
    • Seeing double (when you see two images instead of one)
    • Being extra sensitive to light
    • Having trouble seeing well at night, or needing more light when you read
    • Seeing bright colors as faded or yellow instead

    If you notice any of these cataract symptoms, notify your ophthalmologist.

    Example of dull or yellowed vision from cataracts

    Cataracts can make images appear dull or yellow.

    Example of blurry or dim vision from cataracts

    Blurry or dim vision is a symptom of cataracts.

    Example of distorted or doubled vision from cataracts

    Cataracts can cause distortion or ghost images.

    See a simulation of what vision with cataract looks like.

    What Causes Cataracts?

    Aging is the most common cause. This is due to normal eye changes that happen starting around age 40. That is when normal proteins in the lens start to break down. This is what causes the lens to get cloudy. People over age 60 usually start to have some clouding of their lenses. However, vision problems may not happen until years later.

    Other reasons you may get cataracts include:

    • having parents, brothers, sisters, or other family members who have cataracts
    • having certain medical problems, such as diabetes
    • smoking
    • having had an eye injury, eye surgery, or radiation treatments on your upper body
    • having spent a lot of time in the sun, especially without sunglasses that protect your eyes from damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays
    • using certain medications such as corticosteroids, which may cause early formation of cataracts.

    Most age-related cataracts develop gradually. Other cataracts can develop more quickly, such as those in younger people or those in people with diabetes. Doctors cannot predict how quickly a person’s cataract will develop.

    You may be able to slow down your development of cataracts.

    Protecting your eyes from sunlight is the best way to do this. Wear sunglasses that screen out the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light rays. You may also wear regular eyeglasses that have a clear, anti-UV coating. Talk with your eye doctor to learn more.

    Cataract Diagnosis

    Your ophthalmologist will examine and test your eyes to make a cataract diagnosis. This comprehensive eye exam will include dilation. This means eye drops will widen your pupils.

    A patient having a slit-lamp exam
    Slit-lamp exam

    Slit-lamp exam

    Your ophthalmologist will examine your cornea, iris, lens and the other areas at the front of the eye. The special slit-lamp microscope makes it easier to spot abnormalities.

    Retinal exam

    When your eye is dilated, the pupils are wide open so the doctor can more clearly see the back of the eye. Using the slit lamp, an ophthalmoscope or both, the doctor looks for signs of cataract. Your ophthalmologist will also look for glaucoma, and examine the retina and optic nerve.

    Refraction and visual acuity test

    This test assesses the sharpness and clarity of your vision. Each eye is tested individually for the ability to see letters of varying sizes.

    Once I have a cataract diagnosis, what should I do?

    • Have an eye exam every year if you're older than 65, or every two years if younger.
    • Protect your eyes from UV light by wearing sunglasses that block at least 99 percent UV and a hat.
    • If you smoke, quit. Smoking is a key risk factor for cataracts.
    • Use brighter lights for reading and other activities. A magnifying glass may be useful, too.
    • Limit driving at night once night vision, halos or glare become problems.
    • Take care of any other health problems, especially diabetes.
    • Get the right eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct your vision.
    • When it becomes difficult to complete your regular activities, consider cataract surgery.
    • Make an informed decision about cataract surgery. Have a discussion with your ophthalmologist about:
      • the surgery,
      • preparation for and recovery after surgery,
      • benefits and possible complications of cataract surgery,
      • cataract surgery costs,
      • other questions you have.

    Cataract Treatment

    Cataracts can be removed only with surgery.

    If your cataract symptoms are not bothering you very much, you don’t have to remove a cataract. You might just need a new eyeglass prescription to help you see better. You should consider surgery when cataracts keep you from doing things you want or need to do.

    How does cataract surgery work?

    During cataract surgery, your eye surgeon will remove your eye’s cloudy natural lens. Then he or she will replace it with an artificial lens. This new lens is called an intraocular lens (or IOL). When you decide to have cataract surgery, your doctor will talk with you about IOLs and how they work.

    People who have had cataract surgery may have their vision become hazy again years later. This is usually because the eye’s capsule has become cloudy. The capsule is the part of your eye that holds the IOL in place. Your ophthalmologist can use a laser to open the cloudy capsule and restore clear vision. This is called a capsulotomy.

    Cataracts are a very common reason people lose vision, but they can be treated. You and your ophthalmologist should discuss your cataract symptoms. Together you can decide whether you are ready for cataract surgery.

    Next

    Cataract Surgery

  • More Cataract Articles

    • What Is a Posterior Capsulotomy?
    • What Is Monovision (or Blended Vision)?
    • Adjustable IOL Could Help Some Ditch Their Glasses After Cataract Surgery
    • Can I Fly With This Eye?

    Popular Cataract Answers

    • Can cataract surgery affect depth perception? (Video Answer)
    • How long will I have blurry vision and glare after cataract surgery?
    • Is routine pre-operative medical clearance needed before cataract surgery?
    • Why have I regained my balance after cataract surgery?
    • How is the lens power determined before cataract surgery?
    • What are some of the risks associated with not having a cataract removed?
    • Can I prevent or slow the development of my mild cataract?
    • How long do I have to use the antibiotic eye drops after cataract surgery?
    • Is it safe to have an MRI after cataract surgery?
    • Does marijuana help cataracts?
  • Related Ask an Ophthalmologist Answers

    Can you have cataract surgery again if pressure is high?
    Nov 13, 2020
    Is MRI safe one week after cataract surgery?
    Nov 11, 2020
    Will my aunt’s surgery be successful if she refuses eye drops afterwards?
    Nov 09, 2020
    Will cataract surgery repair my worsening nearsightedness?
    Sep 24, 2020
    Can I competitively box after cataract surgery?
    Jun 10, 2020
  • Find an Ophthalmologist
    Advanced Search
  • Ask an Ophthalmologist

    Browse Answers
  • Free Newsletter

    Get ophthalmologist-reviewed tips and information about eye health and preserving your vision.

  • Related

    Colors look dull, faded or different
    Nov 19, 2020
    What Is Stickler Syndrome?
    Nov 05, 2020
    Stickler Syndrome Diagnosis and Treatment
    Nov 05, 2020
    Stickler Syndrome Symptoms
    Nov 05, 2020
    What Is a Posterior Capsulotomy?
    Oct 29, 2020
 
  • Contact Us
  • About the Academy
  • Jobs at the Academy
  • Financial Relationships with Industry
  • Medical Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Help
  • For Advertisers
  • For Media
  • Ophthalmology Job Center

OUR SITES

  • EyeWiki
  • International Society of Refractive Surgery

FOLLOW THE ACADEMY

Medical Professionals

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

Public & Patients

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • YouTube

Museum of the Eye

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Trip Advisor
  • Yelp
© American Academy of Ophthalmology 2021
Also of Interest
  • What Do Cataracts Look Like?
  • Does Marijuana Help Cataracts?
  • Congenital Cataract