What are Cataracts?

To comprehend cataracts and their impact on vision, it's helpful to have a basic understanding of the eye's anatomy. The eye can be likened to a camera, with the front of the eye comprising a focusing system with lenses and an aperture.

There are two main structures in the eye responsible for focusing: the cornea and the crystalline lens, which operate similarly to lenses in a camera. The iris, on the other hand, functions like a camera's aperture, regulating the amount of light that enters the eye. The photosensitive film in the eye is called the retina, which absorbs light energy and comprises multiple layers of nerve tissue. This intricate layer processes the light information that is transmitted through the optic nerve to the brain.

Select from the list below to learn about the anatomy of the eye

Typical Symptoms

Low Light Vision with Cataracts

POOR VISION IN LOW LIGHT

As cataracts cause light to scatter, the total amount of focused light that reaches the retina decreases. As a result, patients frequently experience difficulty seeing in low-light conditions and a reduction in visual acuity, including a loss of detail. “Everything looks dull and flat”

Difficulty Reading with Cataracts

READING BECOMES DIFFICULT

Patients often report that their glasses are no longer strong enough and that their new glasses don't seem to provide any improvement over their previous pair. This lack of detail is a common issue with cataracts.

Cataract Glare and Halos

GLARES & HALOS AROUND LIGHT

Glare and halos are commonly among the earliest signs of cataracts. Patients often report experiencing a significant decline in vision when faced with oncoming lights from cars. As a result, some patients may choose to avoid driving at night or adjust their schedule to minimize nighttime driving as much as possible.

COLOR LOOKS DULL

As cataracts develop, the lens can turn brownish, affecting color perception. After cataract surgery, patients are amazed by the enhanced brightness and vibrancy of colors. This difference is especially noticeable when comparing the treated eye with the one still affected by a cataract.