Understanding Cataracts

Cataracts are a very common eye condition. As we get older, the lens inside our eye gradually changes and becomes less transparent (clear). A lens that has turned misty or cloudy is said to have a cataract. Over time a cataract can get worse, gradually making your vision mistier.

A straightforward operation can usually remove the misty lens and replace it with an artificial lens to enable you to see more clearly again.

This booklet is about cataracts in adults. Some children develop cataracts, called congenital cataracts, before or just after birth but these are usually dealt with in a different way to cataracts in adults.

Further information you can find in this booklet

• About cataracts
• How your eye works
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Complications
• Other eye conditions
• Coping
• Useful contacts